Running long - A trail and ultra running talk

Diving into the state of trail running in 2025, Francesco Puppi and Max Keith sit down for a wide-ranging, honest, and deeply insightful conversation about where the sport is headed — and what it feels like to live through this moment of rapid transformation. From debates around pacers and fair competition, to the explosion of content, technology, and brand involvement in trail running, they reflect on the challenges, the opportunities, and the responsibility that comes with a sport growing faster than ever.They also open up about the athletes who inspired them this year — from world-class performances at UTMB and Worlds, to breakthrough storytellers on YouTube and Substack — and unpack what makes certain moments and people truly stand out.Francesco shares how his own training has evolved after Worlds, how he’s approaching winter with a fresh VO₂max block, and why Western States 2026 is quietly becoming his north star. Max, meanwhile, talks about crewing, pacing, fairness, and how the culture of the sport shapes the choices we make on race day.If you love trail running — not just the racing, but the community, the culture, and the conversations that shape it — this episode will feel like sitting around a table with two friends who live and breathe this world.What you’ll learn• Why the debate around pacers is more complex than it seems• How money, livestreaming, and brand involvement are reshaping the sport• The performances that defined 2024–2025 (and why they mattered)• Why content — from YouTube to Substack — is pushing trail running forward• Francesco’s return to structured training and his path toward Western States• The trends that will shape the next decade of trail running🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🏃‍♂️ Want to train smarter, not harder?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.📲 Follow @vert.runDownload the app and start your personalized training at Vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | X | Strava | Website

9 Joulu 57min

Dylan Walker joins host Francesco Puppi for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to transform your life through running — from starting at 240 lbs with no plan or fitness, to completing ultras, crossing the Alps in the Transalpine Run, and preparing for his first 100-mile race.They dive into the realities behind long-term progress: coping with pain when it shows up in every race, training for mountain events while living at sea level, and why community and support matter more than split times.Dylan also reflects on the deeper lessons the sport has taught him — discipline, resilience, patience, and the courage to sign up for challenges that feel far beyond your comfort zone.If you’ve ever doubted whether you can take on a big goal, start from zero, or rebuild yourself through running, this conversation will stay with you for a long time.What you’ll learn• The mindset that helps runners manage pain in long races• Why the trail community creates such powerful connections• How to train for elevation without mountains• What it feels like to complete the Transalpine Run• Why anyone — with time and structure — can aim for big challenges• Dylan’s next goal: a 100-mile race crossing an entire continent🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🏃‍♂️ Want to train smarter, not harder?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.📲 Follow @vert.runDownload the app and start your plan at vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | X | Strava | Website

18 Marras 52min

Mario Fraioli joins host Francesco Puppi for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the modern state of running — from content overload and algorithm fatigue, to what it really means to “go one more.”They dive deep into the balance between performance and storytelling, the illusion of social media success, and why learning to go one less might be the most underrated skill in both training and life.Mario also shares lessons from over 20 years in the sport — as an athlete, coach, and writer — reflecting on how running culture has evolved, what’s changed for the better, and what still needs work.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do more, post more, or prove more, this conversation will remind you what truly matters.What you’ll learn • Why “Go One Less” might be the key to long-term progress • How social media reshaped what it means to be an athlete • Why performance still matters more than followers • How to manage input, focus, and balance in an always-on world • The lessons 20+ years in running can teach about longevity and mindset🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🏃‍♂️ Want to train smarter, not harder? Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.📲 Follow @vert.runDownload the app and start your plan at vert.runFrancesco’s links: Instagram | X | Strava | Website

4 Marras 1h 3min

Vert.run co-founders Moi Jiménez and Max Keith join host Francesco Puppi for a deep conversation on the evolving trail running scene in Latin America, the return of The North Face Endurance Challenge Chile, and the cultural roots that make South American trail running so unique.They dive into the growing presence of Latin American athletes on the world stage, the challenges of distance, visibility, and sponsorship, and what it takes to build a truly global and inclusive sport.Later, the trio breaks down the latest evolution inside the Vert.run app — the new Athlete Timeline and VIBE Score — exploring how balancing life stress, recovery, and training load can help athletes train smarter, not harder.If you’ve ever wondered how to align your life and your training, or how the future of trail running is being shaped across continents — this one’s for you.What you’ll learnWhy the Latin American trail scene is boomingHow geography, access, and opportunity shape athletesThe comeback of The North Face Endurance Challenge ChileWhat the new Vert.run “Athlete Timeline” and “VIBE Score” mean for your trainingWhy doing less can sometimes make you a stronger runnerListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Want to try VertPro?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.Follow @vert.runDownload the app and sign up at vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

28 Loka 57min

South African trail running star Toni McCann joins host Francesco Puppi for an honest and vulnerable conversation about rediscovering her love for the sport, handling pressure after success, and what happens when winning doesn’t feel like winning.After dropping out of The Otter Trail with an ankle injury, Toni shares how that DNF unexpectedly reminded her why she runs—the community, the connection, and the simple joy of being on the trails. She opens up about post-race emptiness after her CCC victory, the guilt of burnout, and the lessons that came from slowing down.They also dive deep into the state of trail running today—from growing media attention and sponsor pressure, to how the sport can evolve while keeping its authenticity and grassroots spirit alive.If you’ve ever felt lost after a big race or questioned your “why” as an athlete—this one’s for you.What you’ll learnWhat it’s like to find peace in a DNFThe hidden emotional cost of success and burnoutHow Toni reframed pressure and expectationsThe balance between brand obligations and personal fulfillmentWhere the future of trail running is headingListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Want to try VertPro?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.Follow @vert.runDownload the app and sign up at vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

21 Loka 1h 6min

Vert.run co-founder and coach Max Keith joins host Francesco Puppi for a wide-ranging conversation about the end of a long racing season—what recovery really means, how to avoid burnout, and why finishing strong sometimes means doing less.Fresh off his CCC win and top-10 finish at the World Championships, Francesco shares what it felt like to go from 49th to 9th after cramping from the first downhill, how he managed the CCC–Worlds double just one month apart, and what it taught him about patience, motivation, and balance.They also discuss how the sport is evolving—from the growing competitiveness of Worlds and the rise of athlete-led storytelling, to the importance of community and content that shows the real side of trail running.If you’ve ever wondered how the world’s best athletes recover, reflect, and reset after a big season—this one’s for you.What you’ll learnThe reality of managing a full ultra season from February to OctoberLessons from the CCC–Worlds double: recovery, resilience, and mindsetHow to build sustainability into your training and racingWhy “rest” is an active part of performanceThe growing future of storytelling and authenticity in trail runningFrancesco's CCC video.Want to try VertPro?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.Follow @vert.runDownload the app and sign up at vert.runFrancesco’s links:Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

10 Loka 1h

Psychologist and elite trail runner Eva-Maria Sperger joins host Francesco Puppi for a candid conversation about the mental side of performance—self-compassion, motivation, and racing with vulnerability—just ahead of the World Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos. Eva explains why naming emotions builds real toughness, how to balance “listen to your feelings” with “do the opposite,” and a simple model to unlock motivation: autonomy, confidence, and belonging. They also unpack the difference between working with a sport psychologist vs. a mental coach, why athletes over-do volume to calm anxiety, and how to make better decisions when pain or fear show up.If you’ve ever wondered “Do I even belong here?” this one will feel like a deep breath and a plan.What you’ll learnHow self-compassion becomes a performance skill (not fluff)A practical way to handle negative thoughts without obeying themAutonomy–confidence–belonging: a simple framework to rekindle motivationWhen to choose a sport psychologist vs. a mental coach (and why)Process > outcome: redefining “success” before your next start line-----------Want to try VertPro?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.👉 Follow @vert.run👉 Download the app and sign up at vert.runFrancesco’s links: Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

22 Syys 1h 2min

We sit down with Francesco for a clear CCC recap: pacing the early climbs without forcing, the move after Champex-Lac, fast aid-station execution, and his fueling plan (~90–100 g carbs/h with a structured caffeine strategy). Then we look ahead to the World Championships and whether to accept a tempting Western States Golden Ticket. We also share what’s shipping inside the app: the new Coach Vert.run built from half a million real coach–athlete interactions.UTCT GiveawayDid you hear we’re doing a giveaway to race UTCT? We’re sending one runner to Ultra-Trail Cape Town. Choose your distance—we’ll cover race entry, flights, and a 3-night stay. To enter, start any Vert.run subscription. Full details here. Free trials don’t count toward eligibility. Winner announced at the end of September.Want to try VertPro?Use code RUNNINGLONG30 for 30% off your first month of Vert.run training.👉 Follow @vert.run👉 Download the app and sign up at vert.runFrancesco’s links: Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

9 Syys 1h 18min