In this episode Brodie and Jess get the pleasure of getting to know Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, a world class trail runner from Iceland and the recent winner of the GTNS Donna Double. Hear about Andreas running journey and some of her incredible results, and make sure you get behind her as we hope to see more of her in Aus!

Then the team cover news from Ultra Trail Snowdonia, Results, and a listener question about how focussing on historic times may limit our potential. 

We hope you enjoy!

Results:

 * Razorback Run [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qN4WkdAdtK4CpMPmKqbA13io0ihRtRCyCHGTHDycfk0/edit?gid=0#gid=0] (VIC) 
 * Six Foot Track Marathon [https://thetimingguysresults.com/list/sixfoot/2026/6FT/] (NSW)
 * Trail Run Australia: Tathra [https://www.trailrunaustralia.com.au/results/] (NSW)
 * ATR Summer Series 5: Port Elliot Surf Run [https://my.raceresult.com/383720/](SA)
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 8: Daisy Hill [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=138&EId=2] (QLD)

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Andrea: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andreakolbeins/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18158816]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Meet Andrea Kolbeinsdóttir, Ultra Trail Snowdonia Mayhem, Do Historic Times Limit Our Potential? | Episode 101

You hear Vlad Ixel every week on Peak Pursuits, but this episode is the deeper story behind the mic.

Vlad takes us back to the early days: the lifestyle he was living, the moment he decided to make a clean break, and how signing up for a marathon became the switch that changed everything. We get into the family thread too: his dad’s ultra background in the Soviet Union, and why that planted the seed for Vlad to chase the marathon and bigger challenges later on.

From there, Vlad explains what hooked him: the simple power of finishing something, and how that turned into an obsession that’s now led to hundreds of races. Then we go behind Bix Nutrition.  We also touch on his North Face sponsorship chapter: how it started, how it ended, and what he learned from that period.

If you’ve ever wondered what shaped Vlad into the runner, coach, and founder he is now, this is the episode.

And if it hits, share it with a mate,  especially someone who’s in that “new chapter” phase and needs a nudge to back themselves.

Check out Bix [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/] to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Vlad Ixel | From Master of Giving Up to Professional Runner and Entrepreneur

Episode 100 of Peak Pursuits!

Today, James, Jess, Brodie, Simone and Vlad come together for a special milestone episode to reflect on how the podcast started, the moments that have stood out across the first 100 episodes, and what it has meant to help grow and spotlight trail running in Australia. From behind-the-scenes stories and early doubts to favourite interviews, community support and plenty of laughs, it’s a fun look back at the journey so far.

The team also dive into a big weekend at Warburton Trail Fest, with Simone sharing the full story behind her emotional return to Donna, why the race carried so much meaning, and the huge life change that is just around the corner. Jess talks training with new coach Kate Avery and what’s changed in her approach, while Brodie recaps his Donna Double experience after somehow forgetting his shoes on race morning.

There’s also discussion around different coaching styles, how athletes respond to training in different ways, ASICS Trabuco Max 5 review, results from the weekend, including the Donna Double, and a look ahead to races like Six Foot Track and Razorback.

As always, there’s plenty of banter along the way — and a big thank you to everyone who has listened, supported and helped Peak Pursuits reach 100 episodes.

Results:

 * Trans Gran Canaria [https://transgrancanaria.v3.livetrail.net/es/2026]
 * Warbutron Trail Run Festival [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=29973&EId=1&dt=1&top=3]
 * Pinnacles Classic [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=423718]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits - Join us on Patreon! [https://patreon.com/PeakPursuitsPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Check out the Trabuco Max 5 [https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/trabuco-max-5/p/AOP_1011C164-400.html?srsltid=AfmBOoq2h5kLLgis0-3-5bcJQIKOd7IGBScF-9sIsBwbxe5x5psqLWcx]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834?oq=Jess%20]

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Simone: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

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Peak Pursuits Turns 100!! Plus Donna Double Recap and a Big Announcement | Episode 100

AUTRA President Gary Mullins and Vice President Geoff Russell have stepped down — and it’s sparked a lot of questions across the trail community.

In this episode, Gary and Geoff share what led to the decision, the internal challenges they faced, and why athlete advocacy, selection, and governance direction became major pressure points.

We also look ahead to what the AGM means, what they hope happens next, and what needs to change to keep Australian trail running moving forward.

If you care about the future of trail running in Australia, this one’s worth a listen — and if it helps, share it with a mate who’s been following the story.

AUTRA Announcement  [https://www.autra.asn.au/message-to-the-members-feb-2026]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/] to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Gary Mullins & Geoff Russell | Why They Stepped Down From AUTRA

In Episode 99 of Peak Pursuits, James, Jess and Brodie all sit down with Australia’s newly crowned short trail national champion, Michael Tosin, after his surprise victory at Snowy Mountains 50k. From a rapid progression to a 2:18 marathon to stepping up and winning on the trails, Michael’s story is one of raw talent, smart training, and huge potential. We unpack his unconventional race-day nutrition, training approach, and what’s next with Asia Pacific selection on the line.

The team then discuss the recent resignations of the President and Vice President of AUTRA, Gary Mullins and Geoff Russell, before previewing the fields for this weekend's Donna Double at Warburton Trail Fest  - with a huge $21,000 prize purse on the line! This week’s listener questions are on topic for Warby Trail Fest [https://www.warburtontrailfest.com/] with questions about poles on the Donna Double course and what to eat before a race.

As usual results from the past weekend are also outlined and there is plenty of banter along the way - we hope you enjoy!

Results:

 * Mt Bogong Conquestathon (VIC) [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r640/]
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 7: Ewen Maddock [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?uId=20148-137-0-0] 
 * Whale Rock Trail Run [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/whale-rock-trail-run-2026] 
 * Perth Trail Summer Series: Chitty Chitty Run Run [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=422876] 
 * Belair Marathon [https://my.raceresult.com/385251/] 

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Follow Michael: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/michaeltosin_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/34491078]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Aus Short Trail Champ Michael Tosin, Resignations at AUTRA, and Donna Double GTNS Preview | Episode 99

Nathan Pearce has moved fast in trail running, but the story starts long before the trails.

In this episode, Nathan takes us back to his junior years on the track and in cross country, and the early signs that he could race hard on unpredictable terrain.

We talk about the rough patch too. The pressure, the injuries, stepping away for a while, and what changed when he came back with a healthier mindset and a clearer relationship with racing.

We also zoom out on what separates domestic racing from World Champs racing, and why Australia needs more consistent head to head competition if we want athletes better prepared for the true international level.

And to finish, Nathan shares what is coming up next, with a stacked block that includes Buffalo, Skyrun, the Rootburn in New Zealand, a World Cup race in China, and UTA 22.

If you are into performance, racing craft, and the real conversations behind results, you will get a lot out of this one.

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at Bix’s website [https://www.bixvitamins.com/en-au] for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod [https://www.instagram.com/peakpursuits.pod/] to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Nathan: Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/1305884?oq=Nathan] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nathanpearce_/]

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Nathan Pearce | From Track Talent to World Trail Championships

In Episode 98 of Peak Pursuits brought to you by ASICS [https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/], Sim and Vlad start out by chatting through Vlad's experience at Tarawera, including what led to his DNF and his lessons for moving forward. 

They are then joined by Sarah Ludowici to go through the results of the weekends Australian Short Trail Championships, followed by a discussion on equality and inclusion after event policies rendered Sarah unable to participate in the 30km event she was registered for due to the timing of the race briefing, her need to look after her beautiful 10month old Aurora at that time, and inflexibility on accommodating this need. It sparks a larger discussion around what inclusion and equality looks like, and the effect it can have on groups of people when policies  inadvertently disadvantage their ability to compete. 

The team then relay some of the results from what was a busy weekend, before previewing next week which is just as busy.

We hope you enjoy! 

Results:

 * Snowy Mountains Trail Run [https://www.trailrunaustralia.com.au/results/]
 * Hut 2 Hut [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=30004&EId=1]
 * Run the Lighthouse [https://my.raceresult.com/383949/]
 * Takayna Trail Ultra [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=422107]
 * ATR Summer Series 4: Cleland National Park [https://www.adelaidetrailrunners.com.au/results-startlists] 
 * Sydney Trail Summer Series 2: Manly Dam [https://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/results]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories, or email at peakpursuitspodcast@gmail.com. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Vlad: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vladixel/?hl=en] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/3232281?oq=vlad]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Sarah: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahludo/?hl=en]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Aus Short Trail Champs, Equality in Event Structures, and Tarawera Learnings feat. Sarah Ludowici | Episode 98

In Episode 97 of Peak Pursuits Holly Ranson sits down with James to talk through her Tarawera run and that unforgettable moment of being handed a Golden Ticket to Western States on the finish line after her 4th place finish!

Hear about Holly's training, approach to the race, and everything that goes into Holly's impressive running career so far. 

The duo then touch on the Barkley Marathons, with no finishers in this years event, before chatting through a listener question on when to DNF vs when to push on and finish if a race isn't going to plan. 

As usual you'll also hear a bunch of results and a brief preview of this weekends Australian Championships and Hut2Hut!

Results:

 * Australian Alpine Ascent [https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/australian-alpine-ascent-2026] 
 * Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra  [https://my.raceresult.com/381960/]
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 6: Wyaralong Dam [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=136&EId=1] 
 * Upper Beaconsfield Tower Run [https://my.raceresult.com/356827/]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow Holly: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hollyrranson/?hl=en]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Holly's Golden Tarawera, Barkleys Wins Again, and When to DNF or Push On | Episode 97

In this episode of Peak Pursuits Sim and Jess are lucky enough to be joined by not only one of the best trail runners in Aus but now a Winter Olympian to boot Lara Hamilton! Lara is currently in Italy in the days leading up to her two Skimo events in the Olympics, and she joins us to chat briefly through her journey so far and what it is like being named on her first Olympic team. 

Hear how Lara trains, how she stays in touch with what she loves about sport and music, and plenty of the fun stories that always come with any time spent with Lara!

Also hear an update from Jess with answers on her long term gut troubles, Sim's update as she gets moving again, and a discussion on the 'State of Trail Running' articles that have been popping up recently before results and a Tarawera preview.

A big episode - Enjoy!

Results:

 * Sydney Trail Summer Series 1: Manly Dam (NSW) [https://www.sydneytrailseries.com.au/results]
 * John Forest Trail Run (WA) [https://www.wamc.org.au/race-results?year=2026&race=255&distance=441#results]
   * Wentworth Falls Trail Run (NSW) [https://tempus.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16516&RId=442&EId=1&dt=2&top=3]
 * Robe Run [https://my.raceresult.com/376533/] 

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Jess: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jessjason/] | Strava  [https://www.strava.com/athletes/54364834]

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Lara: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lara_hamilton/?hl=en]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Show less

Skimo, The State of Trail, and Remembering Your 'Why' feat Winter Olympian Lara Hamilton | Episode 96

In this episode of Peak Pursuits, Brodie and Sim sit down with Piotr Babis to unpack one of the boldest endurance feats ever attempted in Tasmania’s southwest: a first-ever continuous FKT linking the Eastern Arthurs, Western Arthurs, Port Davey and the South Coast Track. Piotr breaks down the brutal reality of 240km and 12,000m of elevation across some of Australia’s most remote and overgrown terrain, covering navigation challenges, weather windows, crew logistics and multi-day fueling in true wilderness conditions. The team dives into why Tassie’s Arthurs remain among the toughest environments in Australian trail running, what it takes to plan FKTs, and how this adventure fits alongside Piotr’s 2026 race calendar including Gone Nuts, KMR and UTA. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by FKTs, Tasmanian trail running, and the outer edges of endurance adventure.

The team then dives into some chats around the changes in the trail running scene as it gets bigger and social media influence brings new people to the trails, as well as some results and a listener question around race pressure. 

Results:

 * Kilcunda Running Festival (VIC) [https://www.alpinetiming.com.au/results/r645/]
 * Beerwah at Night (QLD) [https://results.sportseventservices.com.au/results.aspx?CId=16287&RId=6512&dt=2&top=5&EId=3]
 * SEQ Trail Series Round 5: Bunyaville [https://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=20148&RId=135&EId=1] 
 * Perth Trail Summer Series [https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=419958]

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***

Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits!

Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and your own trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!

Follow Sim: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theflyingbrick_/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/18643506]

Follow Brodie: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brodie_nank/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/5321505]

Follow Piotr: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iron_explorer/?hl=en]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

South West Traverse FKT feat Piotr Babis | Episode 95

Welcome to Peak Pursuits, where we chase dirt-packed trails, soaring ridgelines and the thrill of a finish line like no other. Hosted by trail obsessives and elite runners Simone Brick, Brodie Nankervis, Vlad Ixel and Jess Jason — plus deep-dives with James Sieber — we bring you candid chats with Australia’s top trail runners.

Expect behind-the-scenes stories, honest conversations about training, injuries, mindset and balancing life off-trail; plus the latest on Aussie races, events and endurance culture. Whether you’re lacing up your first pair of trail shoes or chasing a 100 km and beyond, we’ve got something for you.

Tune in to discover unfiltered tales, practical training tips and the kind of inspiration that only comes from pushing your limits. Subscribe now — and bring your trail shoes.

Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits's Show

Introducing the Peak Pursuits Podcast—your ultimate companion for trail running stories, insights, and inspiration across Australia!

Peak Pursuits

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