Tim Tollefson a professional runner for Hoka based in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Tim probably needs no introduction, but of course he is one of the most decorated mountain ultra trail runners of all time, most notably with podium finishes at the 2015 CCC, 2016 UTMB and then again at the 2017 UTMB which most ultra historians would say was the most competitive 100 miler ever in our sports history. 

In this conversation, we talk about his focus these days on the Western States 100, his new role in the sport as a Race Director for the Mammoth Trail Fest taking place this September, his thoughts on athlete-brand relationships, and the importance of training for mental aspects of the sport.


Timestamps:

• (2:30) - introducing the Mammoth Trail Fest
• (6:26) - festival type format for ultra racing
• (7:46) - exciting features of the Mammoth Trail Fest
• (9:46) - race permitting, economic benefits
• (12:38) - affiliating with a larger race series
• (15:16) - relationships with fellow race directors
• (17:33) - inspiration for race directing
• (19:07) - going full-time on race directing
• (21:38) - whether work gets in the way of running
• (24:30) - creating stability for professional runners 
• (27:16) - whether performances improve going full-time
• (30:34) - brainstorming the training day to day of a full-time runner
• (33:34) - improvements to the athlete-brand relationship
• (39:02) - the black box of athlete contracts
• (41:47) - curiosity for UTMB
• (46:44) - whether the Western States - UTMB double is possible
• (51:50) - how training will look different for the 2022 Western States 100
• (56:40) - whether false humility is an issue in our sport
• (60:48) - identifying and acting on mental burnout
• (64:26) - whether the psychological works quiets the mind
• (67:59) - mental approach continued

Links:

• Mammoth Trail Fest
• Follow Tim on Instagram

Additional Episodes You May Enjoy:

• #52 - Mike Foote | Race Directing, Skyrunning Speculation, Future Of Ultrarunning Events, UTMB Influences
• #51 - Anton Krupicka | Trail Running Culture, Pro Athlete Lifestyle, Influence, Self-Reflection
• #50 - Tom Evans | Pro Ultrarunning Playbook, UTMB 2022, Trail Running Teams

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