PEP Talk

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, hosts Nico & Mercedes discuss a whole bunch of topics including the controversial Enhanced Games, the Berlin Marathon (& thus of course Harry Styles), and the upcoming World Mountain and Trail Championships. They also dive into Nico's announcement about his next race, share valuable tips for new runners, and highlight common mistakes begin...

In this AMA-style episode, based on questions received from the Peak Endurance community, hosts Nico & Mercedes chat with athletes/friends Andie Pask and Curran Wearmouth about their UTMB experiences. They share insights on race preparation, nutrition, gear, mental strategies, and the physical challenges of ultra-endurance running. Along the way, they reveal humorous race-day stories, the role...

In this episode, Mercedes & Nico recap their race experiences at UTMB - discussing the emotional highs and lows of the race, the challenges they faced with the weather, and the camaraderie they found along the way. They reflect on the unique atmosphere of the race, the physical and mental demands, and the connections made with fellow runners.

In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, Nico & Mercedes discuss their preparation for the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB), a challenging 174-kilometer race with roughly 10,000m of vertical gain & loss. They reflect on their training journeys, the impact of weather on race day, the importance of crew logistics, and their nutrition plans. The conversation also covers their race strategi...

In this episode, Nico & Mercedes share their experiences during their stay in Tignes, France - highlighting the beauty of the location, the benefits of altitude training, and the vibrant outdoor community. They dive into their participation in a local trail race, the unique challenges of training at altitude, and the last couple weeks of their training build to UTMB. Finally, they reflect on w...

In this episode, Mercedes & Nico welcome their first guest, professional trail runner Jenny Quilty, who shares her journey from early life to becoming a prominent figure in trail & ultra running. Jenny discusses her transition to full-time coaching, her decision to focus on local races in Canada this year, and her most recent victory at the Fat Dog 120 race. We dive into her training, fuel...

In this episode of the PEP Talk, Nico & Mercedes recount their incredible journey running around the Tour du Mont Blanc, sharing insights from their four-day adventure. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of hiking the iconic route, including their experiences with navigation, food, and the stunning landscapes they encountered. The conversation also touches on the importance of preparatio...

In this episode of PEP Talk, Nico and Mercedes chat about: Final training recap from Squamish Nico’s blood work: gluten-free or not? Super shoes: hype vs. reality High-carb fueling tips Heat training Zone 2: why it matters Strength & mobility: staying strong and injury-free

In this episode, Mercedes and Nico share what it’s been like training in Squamish as they prepare for the prestigious UTMB race. They discuss their recent Peak Endurance Training Camp, the challenges of dialing in nutrition and required gear, and the mix of excitement and nerves as race day approaches. They also reflect on the beauty of Squamish, the camaraderie within the running community, and t...

Join us for a deep dive into Nico’s experience & win at the inagural Alpenglow 100km in Valemount, BC, where he shares a detailed race report from start to finish. We chat about the stunning scenery of the course, challenges of race logistics, and the nutrition strategy that helped (and sometimes didn’t) on race day. Nico opens up about the unexpected hurdles he faced on the course, crew mix-u...

The inaugural episode of the Pep Talk podcast! Hosts Mercedes Vince and Nico Lightbody introduce themselves and share their backgrounds in ultra running and coaching. They discuss the inspiration behind starting the podcast, emphasizing the importance of sharing their experiences and insights in endurance sports. The episode outlines various themes they plan to explore, including training optimiza...