A quick episode where we preview Kodiak - the upcoming 100-kilometer race Nico is about to embark on. Starting off with a life quick update reflecting on their recent home-buying journey and the different ways they handle stress. They delve into Nico's altitude training, race strategy, and the competitive landscape for his attempt at re-qualifying for UTMB, while also considering weather conditions and fueling plans for the race. The conversation highlights personal insights, shared experiences, and the excitement of the upcoming race weekend.

In this episode, Mercedes interviews Nicole Lacis, a Canadian elite trail runner and lawyer, who shares her journey from a non-traditional athletic background to competing for Team Canada at the World Trail & Mountain Championships. Nicole discusses her experiences in balancing her legal career with her passion for running, her recent transition into coaching, and her experience at the World Championship race in Spain, including the technical course and the camaraderie among runners. She reflects on her performance, the lessons learned from her training preparation, what it was like to represent Team Canada, and her future goals in the sport.

Where you can find Nicole:

• Coaching website: Mile2Marathon
• Instagram: @nicoleelacis

In this episode of PEP Talk, hosts Nico & Mercedes discuss a variety of topics including recent events in women's sports such as cycling and rugby, and highlights from the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships with a focus on the Canadian crushers. They also delve into the female participation trends in trail racing, understanding target heart rates for running, and the importance of strength training for runners. They provide insights on their strength training routines, how to manage this around racing schedules, and tips for beginners to strength.

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, hosts Nico & Mercedes discuss a whole bunch of topics including the controversial Enhanced Games, the Berlin Marathon (& thus of course Harry Styles), and the upcoming World Mountain and Trail Championships. They also dive into Nico's announcement about his next race, share valuable tips for new runners, and highlight common mistakes beginners often make. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper training, nutrition, and the community aspect of running.

In this AMA-style episode, based on questions received from the Peak Endurance community, hosts Nico & Mercedes chat with athletes/friends Andie Pask and Curran Wearmouth about their UTMB experiences. They share insights on race preparation, nutrition, gear, mental strategies, and the physical challenges of ultra-endurance running. Along the way, they reveal humorous race-day stories, the role of crew support, and the camaraderie that makes these experiences unforgettable.

In this episode, Mercedes & Nico recap their race experiences at UTMB - discussing the emotional highs and lows of the race, the challenges they faced with the weather, and the camaraderie they found along the way. They reflect on the unique atmosphere of the race, the physical and mental demands, and the connections made with fellow runners.

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, Nico & Mercedes discuss their preparation for the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB), a challenging 174-kilometer race with roughly 10,000m of vertical gain & loss. They reflect on their training journeys, the impact of weather on race day, the importance of crew logistics, and their nutrition plans. The conversation also covers their race strategies, goals, and the anticipated challenges they expect to face during the race. 

In this episode, Nico & Mercedes share their experiences during their stay in Tignes, France - highlighting the beauty of the location, the benefits of altitude training, and the vibrant outdoor community. They dive into their participation in a local trail race, the unique challenges of training at altitude, and the last couple weeks of their training build to UTMB. Finally, they reflect on why they chose Tignes over Chamonix, and whether Tignes has become their new favourite training destination.

In this episode, Mercedes & Nico welcome their first guest, professional trail runner Jenny Quilty, who shares her journey from early life to becoming a prominent figure in trail & ultra running.

Jenny discusses her transition to full-time coaching, her decision to focus on local races in Canada this year, and her most recent victory at the Fat Dog 120 race. We dive into her training, fuelling for racing, the challenges of ultra running, and the importance of community in her athletic journey. She reflects on her win, the deeper meaning behind getting to the finish line, and her future aspirations in the sport.

Where you can find Jenny:

• Coaching Website: Pacific Pine Running Co.
• Instagram: @adventuresofjenthar
• Substack: The Cooldown

In this episode of the PEP Talk, Nico & Mercedes recount their incredible journey running around the Tour du Mont Blanc, sharing insights from their four-day adventure.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs of hiking the iconic route, including their experiences with navigation, food, and the stunning landscapes they encountered. The conversation also touches on the importance of preparation, the joy of discovering new places, and the camaraderie of trail running. Listeners will gain valuable tips for their own adventures and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the TMB.