179. Toni McCann | Beyond the Podium: finding meaning in the process

179. Toni McCann | Beyond the Podium: finding meaning in the process

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 learn

  • What it’s like to find peace in a DNF
  • The hidden emotional cost of success and burnout
  • How Toni reframed pressure and expectations
  • The balance between brand obligations and personal fulfillment
  • Where the future of trail running is heading


Listen 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.run
Download the app and sign up at vert.run


Francesco’s links:
Instagram | Twitter | Strava | Website

Episoder(185)

184. Francesco Puppi, Moisés Jiménez & Max Keith | Francesco Puppi Black Canyon Preview

184. Francesco Puppi, Moisés Jiménez & Max Keith | Francesco Puppi Black Canyon Preview

Days before lining up at Black Canyon 100K, Francesco Puppi sits down with Moisés Jiménez and Max Keith for a deep dive into training philosophy, double-threshold blocks, and what he learned from livi...

12 Feb 59min

183. Max Keith | Pacers, Crews, World Champs & the Future of Trail Running: The 2025 Recap

183. Max Keith | Pacers, Crews, World Champs & the Future of Trail Running: The 2025 Recap

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 feel...

9 Des 202557min

182. Dylan Walker | Into the Mountains, Beyond the Limits: A Runner’s Awakening

182. Dylan Walker | Into the Mountains, Beyond the Limits: A Runner’s Awakening

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, t...

18 Nov 202552min

181. Mario Fraioli | Go One Less: The Mindset That Actually Makes You Better

181. Mario Fraioli | Go One Less: The Mindset That Actually Makes You Better

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 “g...

4 Nov 20251h 3min

180. Max Keith & Moises Jimenez | Run Less, Live More: Finding Balance as an Athlete

180. Max Keith & Moises Jimenez | Run Less, Live More: Finding Balance as an Athlete

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 ...

28 Okt 202557min

178. Francesco Puppi & Max Keith | CCC to Worlds: The Art of Recovery

178. Francesco Puppi & Max Keith | CCC to Worlds: The Art of Recovery

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 finis...

10 Okt 20251h

177. Eva-Maria Sperger on the Mental Side of Trail Racing

177. Eva-Maria Sperger on the Mental Side of Trail Racing

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 vulnerabili...

22 Sep 20251h 2min

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