Ultra Uncovered

In this episode of Ultra Uncovered, Russell, Corinne, and Graham recap two of the biggest trail running events in the world: the Leadville Trail 100 and UTMB. From race execution and training lessons to emotional highs and difficult setbacks, this conversation provides an unfiltered look at what it takes to chase ambitious goals in ultrarunning.⁠ ⁠Russell breaks down his breakthrough performance at Leadville, where he improved from a 27:46 finish to an incredible 23:03, earning a coveted Big Buckle and smashing his goal by nearly two hours. He shares how higher weekly mileage, consistent physical therapy, disciplined fueling, and exceptional support from his crew and pacers all contributed to his best ultramarathon performance to date.Corinne reflects on her journey to the start line of UTMB, including a focused training block in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and the unforgettable atmosphere of Chamonix. She shares what it was like to start alongside some of the sport's biggest names, experience the energy of thousands of spectators, and navigate the race through the night. While her day ultimately ended in Courmayeur after physical struggles including vision issues, she offers a thoughtful reflection on the lessons learned and why the experience only deepened her desire to return stronger.⁠ ⁠The trio also discusses race trends, standout performances from athletes such as Rachel Entrekin, Riley Brady, and Jen Lichter, the growing global significance of UTMB, and why Leadville continues to hold a unique place in the soul of the sport. The result is a candid conversation about perseverance, growth, community, and what keeps runners coming back to tackle these iconic events.⁠ ⁠This episode is brought to you by Open Fuel Nutrition. Whether you're training for your next ultramarathon or dialing in your race-day fueling strategy, Open Fuel's athlete-focused products help simplify nutrition so you can focus on performance. Check out their drink mixes, gels, and fueling solutions, and use code UU25 to save 25% off your order.

In the final episode of the UU Leadville Uncovered 2026 series, Corinne Shalvoy and Russell Ditsworth break down the newly announced Leadville Trail 100 Run course and discuss how the reroutes compare to the traditional route. While the first and last sections of the race have changed, runners will still experience the heart of Leadville: Outward Bound, Twin Lakes, Hope Pass, and Winfield. Russell shares why he believes the redesigned course does an excellent job preserving the spirit and profile of the original race while reducing bottlenecks and technical terrain.The conversation then turns to race predictions, with discussion around top contenders, potential winning times, and how the faster course could impact both elites and mid-pack runners. Corinne and Russell predict a competitive race on both the men's and women's sides, while acknowledging the legendary performances that have defined Leadville history.Russell also shares a candid look at his Leadville preparation. From his strongest training block to date, night running practice, gear choices, heat management lessons, and race-day strategy, he's entering the race feeling healthy, confident, and focused on pursuing the coveted Big Buckle while securing a Western States qualifier.The episode closes with details about Ultra Uncovered's live athlete panel at the Leadville Expo, shoutouts to the Castle Rock Run Club athletes racing and supporting the event, and an overview of expanded media coverage that will bring fans closer to the action throughout race weekend. HUGE Thanks to Open Fuel Nutrition for their support of the entire Leadville Uncovered series.Use code UU25 for 25% off your order.

After reaching mile 77 in 2025, Brian Reynolds, double amputee, returns with his strongest training cycle yet, a redesigned prosthetic setup, and a crew built to handle the race's unique demands. He explains why conventional high-mileage ultramarathon training does not work for his body, how cycling and steep treadmill sessions have helped him build endurance, and why equipment durability can determine whether he reaches the finish line.Brian is joined by Tom Hooper, a key member of his pacing team, who describes the physical and emotional demands of helping Brian navigate Hope Pass. Together, they discuss carrying multiple sets of prosthetic legs, switching equipment on the course, managing steep descents, and building a team of 14 to 15 crew members and pacers. Brian also reflects on the support of the Leadville Race Series and the community that keeps drawing him back to the Race Across the Sky.This is a story of adaptation, teamwork, persistence, and one athlete's refusal to stop chasing the finish line.This episode is brought to you with support from Open Fuel Nutrition. Drink mixes that both Corinne & Russell use and love. Open Fuel prioritizes people over profit, transparency, and integrity and we are here for it.Visit openfuel.co and use code UU25 for 25% off.

When doctors told Jared Ewing he would never run again after a devastating accident that nearly cost him his leg, he chose a different path. In this inspiring episode of Leadville Uncovered, Jared shares how he went from hating running to becoming one of the most remarkable athletes in ultrarunning. Today, despite missing his calf muscles and Achilles tendon, he's chasing history as he attempts to become the first adaptive athlete to complete the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. Jared walks through his journey from Army National Guard member and reluctant marathoner to adaptive ultrarunner, describing the accident that changed his life, the grueling rehabilitation process, and the mindset that helped him progress from a quarter-mile walk on a treadmill to finishing a marathon just 10 months after being told he'd never run one again.The conversation explores his impressive performances at Old Dominion and Vermont 100, the unique challenges he faces navigating technical terrain with limited ankle mobility, and why Leadville represents both a personal test and a key step toward completing the Grand Slam. Jared also discusses his documentary project focused on increasing visibility for adaptive and para athletes in trail and ultrarunning, advocating for greater recognition and race categories that help inspire others facing similar challenges.Most importantly, Jared shares a powerful philosophy: don't fear failure. Instead, search for your limits, embrace challenges, and remain curious about what's possible.Presented by OpenFuel Nutrition: Russell and Corinne trust OpenFuel's drink mix in training and racing because of the company's commitment to transparency, integrity, and putting people before profits. Use code UU25 for 25% off at OpenFuel.co.

For Ailsa MacDonald, simply arriving at the Leadville 100 starting line healthy feels like a victory.After battling injuries throughout 2025, including hip issues, a bike crash, and persistent Achilles tendinitis, Ailsa was forced to withdraw from last year's race just one week before the start. At one point, she wasn't even sure she'd be healthy enough to use her deferred entry in 2026. Instead, this year has been the exact opposite.The injuries have faded, training has gone exceptionally well, and for the first time in a long time, she's completed an entire training cycle without significant setbacks. That alone has her feeling optimistic as she prepares for her third attempt at Leadville. In this episode of Leadville Uncovered, Ailsa discusses balancing ultrarunning with an incredibly demanding work schedule that includes two weeks of night shifts followed by two weeks off. Rather than fighting against that schedule, she's learned to use it to her advantage, scheduling her biggest training weeks during her time off and using her work rotations as built-in recovery weeks. The conversation also explores why iconic races like UTMB, Western States, and Leadville continue to pull her in. A former top-10 finisher at UTMB and Golden Ticket winner, Ailsa is drawn to the sport's biggest challenges and isn't afraid to seek out the races that test every aspect of an athlete. She shares the lessons she's learned from previous Leadville attempts, including the importance of staying on top of nutrition at altitude, managing the heat on Hope Pass, and adopting a more disciplined fueling strategy that relies on eating by the clock rather than by hunger. Perhaps the most surprising revelation?Ailsa has never used a pacer. Not at Leadville. Not at Western States. Not ever. Instead, she prefers to tackle the challenge alone. And despite all of her accomplishments, her goal for this year's race couldn't be simpler.Finish.Because after everything she's been through over the last two years, crossing that finish line would mean far more than any placing or podium result. This episode of Leadville Uncovered is brought to you by OpenFuel Nutrition. Whether you're preparing for your first ultra or chasing a buckle at Leadville, OpenFuel delivers personalized sports nutrition designed specifically for endurance athletes. Corinne and Russell both rely on OpenFuel in training and racing. Use code UU25 to save 25% and support the show.