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

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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

This week on the podcast Brodie and Vlad are joined by Zoe Manning, up and coming ultra trail specialist. We get to know Zoe before diving into her preparation for the upcoming Tarawera 100km, contrasting her playful and intuitive training style to Vlad's data driven approach for the same race!

We then cover the AUTRA Performance of the Year award and how it may have been a missed opportunity to engage the trail running community, discuss a controversial study released this week making bold claims about low carb and touch on the many current “runner of the year” awards and trail runner rankings.

We finish this weeks podcast by chatting about the HK 100, the first stop of the World Trail Majors in 2026. James gives us a somewhat controversial question to answer before we let you know what's coming up this weekend!

Results:

 * Hong Kong 100  [https://results.racetimingsolutions.com/Results.aspx?CId=16387&RId=6665]
 * Hong Kong 50 [https://results.racetimingsolutions.com/Results.aspx?CId=16387&RId=6664]

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

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

Follow Zoe: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zoe.manningg/?hl=en]

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

Tarawera 100 Preparation, AUTRA Performance OTY, and Low Carb Study Bold Claims feat Zoe Manning | Episode 94

Iain Best is back, and a lot has changed since we last spoke. He is now a dad of two, still racing hard, and still finding ways to train with purpose when sleep is broken and life is full.

In this episode, James and Iain go deep on what “real” consistency looks like, how Iain shifted from ultras into the world of mountain and skyrunning, and why uphill racing became the thing he could not stop chasing. It’s an honest chat about identity, ambition, and keeping the love of the sport alive while the sport itself keeps changing.

They also zoom out on trail running in Australia, from the volunteer roots that built the scene to the more commercial era we are in now. And to finish, Iain shares what is coming next: a stack of races at home, then a big move to France mid-year with a massive European calendar on the horizon.

In this episode:

 * Training and racing as a new parent, without pretending it’s easy
 * Why uphill became Iain’s weapon, and what it changed in his running
 * Skyrunning, VKs, and the pathway from ultras to the mountains
 * Lessons from the Army, injury rehab culture, and discipline that actually holds up
 * Where trail running is heading, and what we do not want to lose along the way
 * The plan for 2026, including a mid-year move to France and a packed racing schedule

***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 Iain: Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/7464701?oq=Iain]

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

License code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Iain Best | Balancing Training and Family, Uphill Racing, The Future of Trail & Mountain Running

In episode 93 of Peak Pursuits, Jess and James sit down with Australian World Champs representative SJ to unpack a big few months on and off the trails. SJ reflects on her Short Trail performance at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, a tough post-race illness, and a confidence-boosting win at Bogong to Hotham last weekend. The conversation then turns to 2026 planning, with a shift toward longer racing and a bold entry into the Kunanyi 66km. 

Jess and James also share candid updates on their own training returns, before diving deep into one of the biggest global talking points in trail running: UTMB’s new carbon offset policy and its impact on Australian athletes. Packed with athlete insight, race results, and informed debate, this episode cuts to the heart of where trail running in Australia is heading.

Results:

 * Bogong 2 Hotham [https://my.raceresult.com/377830/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. 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 James: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/coachjamessieber/] | Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/48288519] | Website [https://www.coachjamessieber.com/]

Follow SJ: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sarahjayne.miller/]

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

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World Champs Reflections, Kunanyi 66km Plans & the UTMB Carbon Debate continues feat. SJ Miller | Episode 93

In episode 92 of Peak Pursuits, Sim and Jess are joined by Kate Avery fresh off a remarkable post-partum win at the Two Bays Trail Run.

Kate breaks down her return to racing, the realities of training and recovery after pregnancy, and how her confidence is building toward a stacked 2026 season. The team dives deep into Two Bays race results across the 28km and 56km, including standout performances from Caitlin Fielder, Toby Sparks and a red-hot elite field. They also tackle major global news with UTMB’s newly announced mandatory carbon offset policy [https://montblanc.utmb.world/2026registrations] and what it means for Australian runners.

Packed with results, athlete insight and topical debate, this is essential listening for anyone following trail running in Australia right now.

Results:

 * Two Bays Trail Run (VIC) [https://tomatotiming.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=16&RId=29961&EId=2]
 * ATR Round 3 - Belair National Park (SA) [https://my.raceresult.com/376770/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. 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 Kate: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kate_avery1/?hl=en]

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

Postpartum Wins, Two Bays Fireworks, & UTMB Carbon Debate feat. Kate Avery | Episode 92

In this episode of Peak Pursuits, the crew kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into Aussie trail runner Billy Curtis’ European winter campaign, fresh off a win at the Trail del Bora ultra in northern Italy. Billy breaks down his move to longer racing, grey-zone training, and why Montenegro and the Balkans are underrated training hubs for trail runners. The team also looks ahead to the World Trail Majors, including Trans Gran Canaria, Madeira, and Transvulcania, and what they mean for Australian athletes on the global stage. Plus, a detailed preview of the stacked Tarawera Ultra-Trail 100km field and Golden Ticket implications for Western States. Essential listening for anyone following elite trail running in Australia and beyond.

***Don’t forget, use code PEAK at https://bix-hydration.myshopify.com/en-au for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners! And to enter our end of year giveaway make sure you follow us and Bix Australia on insta then tag your friend in a comment on this episodes post!***

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

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

Follow Billy: Strava [https://www.strava.com/athletes/65282012]

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

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Euro Life, 2026 Race Choices, and Golden Opportunities with Billy Curtis | Episode 91

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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