WHAT DID WE JUST WITNESS AT WESTERN STATES?

I had to share my raw, emotional reactions and overreactions to Western States, analyzing race results, weather impact, athlete performances, and future implications for trail running.

Is Puppi the most insufferable trail runner?

Hans vs Puppi is the Jim vs Kilian rivalry we never got?

Did Jim's legacy just get erased?

Will a female run Sub-14?

What Ryan Montgomery just accomplished - in any other sport would raise legitimacy doubts?

Unpacking what I think are interesting topics and hot takes about the 2026 Western States 100:

Western States 2026: The Race for the Record

Why Jim Walmsley's Dominance Might End This Year

Jim Walmsley's race strategy and aid station efficiency could be pivotal.

Western States' course record has stood since 2019 despite advancements.

Weather conditions and crew optimization are key factors in record-breaking attempts.

Athletes like Killian Jornet, Hans Troyer and Hayden Hawks are motivated by legacy and career-defining wins.

Western States has the potential to reach a broader audience through compelling stories.

In this episode I sat down with Zach Bitter, a record-holding ultramarathon runner and podcast host of Human Performance Outliers, shares insights on training, race strategy, the evolving landscape of ultra running, and how to grow the sport through media and community engagement.

We dig into topical cooling, Zach has ran, won and set course records at Javelina Jundred 100 miler and brings his experience/wisdom to the conversation.

IMO Zach is largely under appreciated for his ambassadorship of ultra running as a professional runner. He has been a guest on Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Nick Bare, Mark Bell and Bert Kreister podcast.

In this entertaining and spirited conversation, Ben Thomas shares his unique perspective on ultra running, content creation, and innovative race formats. We explore how the sport can evolve through better storytelling, broadcast strategies, and capturing the brutal essence of ultra races.

A must-listen for fans and newcomers alike, aiming to deepen understanding and excitement around ultrarunning. This episode dives into the future of trail running, exploring how prize money, media, athlete branding, and race formats can revolutionize the sport.

Ben discusses the importance of accessibility, storytelling, and stunt content to engage a broader audience and elevate the sport's profile.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of ultra running, sponsorship ethics, the centralization of power in the sport, and strategies to overcome training ruts. I shares my personal insights, industry debates, and future plans to enhance the community experience.

Wolfie's World Website - under construction

Coaching...coming soon? maybe.

Zach Bitter - Human Performance Outliers Podcast

Joe Corcione - Everyday Ultra Podcast

keywords

ultra running, sponsorship ethics, Western States, Hoka, training rut, sport centralization, motivation, community, coaching, spontaneity

On this solo episode Brian shares his detailed insights and lessons learned from his recent 100K ultra race, covering training, gear, nutrition, pacing, and race-day strategies to help fellow ultra runners improve their performance.

After my recent 100K at Desert Peak Ultra, I reflected on what went right and what didn’t. Training is key! It’s about understanding your limits and embracing them.

I realized that sometimes, we may not have access to ideal terrains for training. But fitness is fitness! Whether it’s mountain trails or flat roads, it’s about moving efficiently.

Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and adapting to challenges.

What’s your go-to race prep strategy?

In this inspiring conversation, Keifer shares his transformative journey from a small-town athlete and nightlife industry professional to a sober ultra runner. Discover how his experiences with sports, sobriety, and mental discipline have shaped his approach to life and endurance racing. Keifer shares his gateway into trail running, his preparation for Cocodona 250, and insights into the ultrarunning community, inspiring listeners to pursue their goals with purpose and resilience.

This is one you'll want to stick around through the end, filled with inspiration, hard lessons, laughs and 2026 Cocodona takes.

"I ran 281 miles and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be,"

Welcome back to Wolfie's World! In this episode, I sat down with Johnny Ramos, also known as the King of Saddles/Kings of Scrolling. If you missed our last conversation, be sure to check it out, where we explored Johnny's journey and the challenges he faced. Today, we're diving deep into his recent experience with The Speed Project (TSP) SOLO, an unsanctioned race from Santa Monica Pier to the Las Vegas sign. We cover Johnny's insights on planning for the race, the community aspect, and what it takes to complete such a daunting challenge.

We talk about his future interest in Cocodona 250, his bold goals when he does race Cocodona and his involvement with Wherever You Go Foundation that helps bring visibility and humanitarian aid to developing countries.

It's been since October 2023 when I last pinned a bib for an Ultra distance trail race. Injuries and unexpected illness caused me to DNS 3 planned attempts in 2025.

What happens to the mind over the course of +2 years when you haven't competed or completed an Ultra. The training blocks were consistent, the passion for the sport burned, but the doubts crept in and only grew over time.

Was I still capable?

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Join us as I share my experience running the Desert Peaks 100K Ultra, supported by insights from my crew Ivan Estrella and Angelo Lemi. We delve into race strategies, course challenges, the importance of community, and the mental resilience required for ultra running.

Shoutout my entire crew - my wife Alia, Johnny Ramos, Sean Haworth and Angelo Lemi's wife Olivia, daughter Harper and his Dad - thank you for all your contribution!

Joe Corcione, Everyday Ultra Podcast and the entire team behind Desert Peak Ultra - we salute you, thank you for the massive effort to organize this inaugural year!

Discover insights from Keith on how running intersects with culture, fashion, and lifestyle in Antwerp. Perfect for runners and cultural enthusiasts.

For Keith, running is a personal escape rather than a competitive sport. He reflects on his journey from competitive swimming to embracing running as a form of self-expression. In this section, we’ll discuss:

**Freedom in Running:** Why the lack of a competitive schedule allows him to enjoy running as an act of personal freedom.

**Mental Clarity:** How running serves as a form of stress relief and creativity for him amidst the chaos of running a fashion brand.

The Influence of Subcultures on Running

Keith's background in punk and skate culture significantly influences his approach to running. This section will delve into:

**Cultural Influences:** How subcultures shape his perspective on sports, fashion, and lifestyle.

**Connecting with the Community:** The importance of running groups and how they foster a sense of belonging and shared identity.