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.

In this episode of PEP Talk, Nico and Mercedes chat about:

• Final training recap from Squamish

• Nico’s blood work: gluten-free or not?

• Super shoes: hype vs. reality

• High-carb fueling tips

• Heat training

• Zone 2: why it matters

• Strength & mobility: staying strong and injury-free

In this episode, Mercedes and Nico share what it’s been like training in Squamish as they prepare for the prestigious UTMB race. They discuss their recent Peak Endurance Training Camp, the challenges of dialing in nutrition and required gear, and the mix of excitement and nerves as race day approaches. They also reflect on the beauty of Squamish, the camaraderie within the running community, and the importance of intentional preparation for big endurance goals.

Join us for a deep dive into Nico’s experience & win at the inagural Alpenglow 100km in Valemount, BC, where he shares a detailed race report from start to finish.

We chat about the stunning scenery of the course, challenges of race logistics, and the nutrition strategy that helped (and sometimes didn’t) on race day. Nico opens up about the unexpected hurdles he faced on the course, crew mix-ups, and how he navigated the highs and lows of 100km in the mountains. We also reflect on lessons learned, takeaways for future races, and what’s next on Nico’s racing calendar.

The inaugural episode of the Pep Talk podcast!

Hosts Mercedes Vince and Nico Lightbody introduce themselves and share their backgrounds in ultra running and coaching. They discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast, emphasizing the importance of sharing their experiences and insights in endurance sports.

The episode outlines various themes they plan to explore, including training optimization, balancing life and training, injury management, race experiences, travel logistics, community building, mental health, and the role of women in sports.

We aim to create a supportive and informative space for listeners interested in endurance sports and personal growth. Thanks for listening!