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The Endurance Studio: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dylan Turner
Exploring the people, gear, and adventures that define endurance.
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- Aug 21, 20261h 5m
McKenna Marino: Finishing the Colorado Trail Race Solo at 17 | #61
✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioAt just 17 years old, McKenna “MJ” Marino became the youngest female finisher of the Colorado Trail Race under race rules, completing more than 500 miles of rugged Colorado singletrack in 12 days, 8 hours, and 11 minutes.In this episode of The Endurance Studio, McKenna shares how she went from her first overnight bikepacking trip to taking on one of the most demanding bikepacking routes in the country.We talk about growing up in an endurance-focused family, discovering bikepacking, racing Pinyons and Pines, and what eventually convinced her to attempt the Colorado Trail. McKenna also opens up about one of her biggest fears going into the ride: being alone in the wilderness at night—and how nearly two weeks on the trail changed her relationship with that fear.Along the way, we get into the realities of the CTR: high-elevation passes, hike-a-bike, exhaustion, resupply strategy, Cathedral Cabins, gear choices, sleep, unexpected trail closures, and the moments when she wondered whether something might actually force her to stop.But this conversation goes well beyond bikepacking. McKenna talks about why she intentionally stays away from social media, the value she finds in disconnecting and being present in nature, how experiences like the Colorado Trail have built her confidence, and why she describes the CTR not as “life-changing,” but as life-defining.We also talk about what her friends think of her adventures, her interest in sustainability and restoration ecology, college plans, and the much bigger adventures she might pursue in the future.At 17, McKenna is just getting started.----------------https://trackleaders.com/ctr26---------------- - Episode Introduction and Support Reminder - Introducing McKenna and the Colorado Trail Race - McKenna's Early Bikepacking Journey - Family Influence and Training Support - European Volunteer Work and Language Experience - Pre-Race Fears and Overcoming Fear - Cathedral Cabins and Family Support - Moments of Doubt and Managing Fatigue - High Passes, Wind, and Night Riding - Gear Setup, Packing, and Sleep - Future Races and Bikepacking at a Young Age - Community and Solo vs. Group Experiences - Maverick Stop and Sponsor Spotlight - Post-Race Reflections and Confidence - College Plans and Restoration Ecology - Closing Remarks and Appreciation----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- Jul 31, 20262h 40m
Matt Shapiro: The Mind Behind Endurance's Best Stories #60
✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioPhotographer, filmmaker, and ultra-endurance athlete Matt Shapiro joins The Endurance Studio for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career in endurance sports.Matt has worked with some of the biggest brands and athletes in ultra-endurance sports, documenting iconic races and some of the world's best trail and ultra runners. But this episode goes far beyond photography. We dive into storytelling, creativity, addiction and recovery, social media, AI, endurance culture, and the realities of making a living as a creator.----------------https://www.instagram.com/shapirothehero/https://matthew-shapiro.com/company---------------- Podcast Intro, New Branding & Meeting Matt Shapiro Filmmaking, Editing & Building an Endurance Media Career Photography Career & The Ultra-Running Industry Technical vs Creative: Learning Photography Composition, Storytelling & Building Relationships In-Person Podcasting, Brand Collaborations & Business Family Background, Climbing & Finding Endurance Sports The Evolution of Action Sports Media The Future of Short-Form Content, AI & Creativity Transitioning from Photography to Video Ultra-Endurance Experiences & Mountain Racing Race Organization, Lotteries & Community Alcohol Recovery & Personal Transformation Race Ethics, Support Crews & Rules Gatekeeping, Preparedness & Personal Philosophy Balancing Work, Passion & Content Creation Frog Hollow & Lessons from Podcasting Recovery, Sobriety & Moving Forward Early Drinking History & Rediscovering Identity Addiction, Balance & Personality Perfectionism, Productivity & Mental Health Risk, Mortality & Perspective Finding Moderation in High Performance Performance Pressure & Mental Health Losing an Entire Shoot: The Lost Footage Story Running Fashion, Brand Economics & Satisfy Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Matt----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- Jun 5, 20261h 53m
Cruz Blue: 2026 Pinyons & Pines Debrief + Tour Divide Prep #59
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode, I sit down with Cruz Blue to recap his experience at Pinyons and Pines, discuss becoming the youngest solo finisher of the Arizona Trail Race, and look ahead to his upcoming Tour Divide debut. We talk about gear failures, race strategy, sleep systems, the mental challenge of loneliness during ultra-endurance events, trail friendships, wildlife encounters, and the lessons learned from long days in the saddle.----------------https://trackleaders.com/pinyonspines26https://trackleaders.com/tourdivide26---------------- Support Reminder, Bikepacking Trip & Tour Divide Preparation Pinyons & Pines Recap, Gear Failures & Early Race Challenges Flats, Resupplies, Night Riding & Race Dynamics Sleep Strategy, Recovery & Learning Through Fatigue Crown King, Prescott Trails, Wildlife & Mountain Lion Stories Trail Friendships, Water Management & Bikepacking Ethics Future Race Ideas, Course Design & Adventure Planning Loneliness, Family Support & Mental Challenges in Endurance Racing AI, Social Media, Sponsorships & Communication Welding, Bike Building, 3D Printing & Career Exploration College Plans, Motivation & Personal Growth Tour Divide Fears, Inspiration & Future Dreams Community Support, Local Connections & Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- May 29, 20261h 39m
Jeff Kerkove: Two Decades of Endurance Racing Lessons #58
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode of The Endurance Studio, I sit down with ultra-endurance mountain biker Jeff Kerkove to talk about nearly two decades of bikepacking racing, from the Colorado Trail Race to international events like Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race. We dive into race strategy, sleep deprivation, resupply tactics, gear choices, pacing mistakes, and the mental side of pushing through massive distances. Jeff also shares stories from races like Stagecoach 400, Doom, Vapor Trail 125, Pinyons and Pines, and more — along with lessons learned from years of DNFs, big wins, and hard-earned experience in the ultra-endurance world.----------------https://www.instagram.com/jeffkerkovehttps://www.instagram.com/ergonbikehttps://www.instagram.com/topeakhttps://www.instagram.com/rideshimanohttps://www.instagram.com/ridefoxbikehttps://www.instagram.com/dtswisshttps://www.instagram.com/maxxisbikehttps://www.instagram.com/guenergylabs---------------- Episode Introduction and Pinyons & Pines Race Context Race Strategy: Heat, Pacing, Nutrition, and Competition Breck Epic and the Evolution of Supported Bikepacking Preparing for Long-Distance Racing and Bike Choice Sleep Deprivation, Minimal Gear, and Recovery Tactics Gear Philosophy, Packing Strategy, and Cold Weather Prep Reflections on the Sour Race and Favorite Route Segments Early Racing Background and Discovering Ultra Endurance Colorado Trail Race DNFs and Lessons Learned The Addictive Nature of Ultra Racing and Competitiveness Resupply Efficiency, Nutrition, and Time Management Vapor Trail, Stagecoach, and Other Memorable Races Bones to Blue and Doom: Extreme Bikepacking Challenges International Racing: Silk Road, Atlas, and Global Logistics Sea Otter, Bike Industry Trends, and Gear Innovation Bikepacking Bags, Rack Systems, and Industry Drama Ergon Product Development and Triple Crown Reflections Life Lessons, Longevity, and the Mental Side of Racing Rapid-Fire Questions: Gear, Components, and Preferences Advice for New Endurance Athletes and Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- May 22, 20262h 21m
Karin Pocock: Inside a Triple Crown Season - Wins, Blowups, and Comebacks #57
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode, I sit down with Karin Pocock just days before Pinyons and Pines to unpack last year’s Triple Crown season—the podium at Tour Divide, the heartbreak of scratching at the Colorado Trail Race due to smoke inhalation, and the emotional toll of watching a season-defining goal unravel.We talk about what it means to come back: rebuilding fitness, shifting to high-intensity training, rethinking race strategy, and lining up again with unfinished business. From holding position at the front of the field to learning when to pull the plug, this is a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and returning stronger.If you’ve ever had a big goal fall apart—and chose to try again anyway—this one’s for you.----------------https://www.instagram.com/karin_pocockhttps://www.Instagram.com/oldmanmountainrackshttps://www.Instagram.com/silca_velohttps://www.Instagram.com/noblwheels https://www.Instagram.com/dispersed.bikepacking---------------- Introduction, Zoom Fatigue & Training Reflections HIIT, FTP Hesitation & AI Training Platforms TrainerRoad Transition & Performance Gains Welcome Karen & Sour Race Debrief Pacing, Motivation, Injuries & Humor Tour Divide Challenges: Smoke, Weather & Sleep Kit Mud, Health Issues & Race Motivation Power Meters, Equipment & Race Planning Arizona Trail Logistics & Fire Exposure Toxic Exposure, Illness vs Fatigue & Lung Health Fire Season Shifts & Gear Logistics Battery Management, Electrolytes & Iron Testing Goals, Sponsorship & Training Balance Work Flexibility, Relocation & Uranium Mining Pinyons Victory, Community & Canadian Roots Rapid Fire: Components, Salt, Lighting & Fit Charging, Water Sources & Resupply Stories Wrap-Up, Sponsors & Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- Apr 24, 202659 min
Pinyons & Pines 2026 Course Preview with Dana & Dylan #56
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Pinyons and Pines “race-not-race” in Northern Arizona.We cover key logistics including grand depart info, parking, pre-race gathering, required permits and last-minute route updates (including potential mud reroutes). We also dive into sponsorship support, water reliability, resupply strategy, and how to prepare for Arizona’s unpredictable weather—from freezing temps to desert heat.The second half is a detailed course preview of this year’s 413-mile, 39,000-foot route. We explain why this edition is one of the toughest yet, what makes it unique, major changes from past years, critical resupply points (especially the Cottonwood Maverik), water carries, and what to expect from key sections like Mingus, Crown King, the Bradshaws, and the Prescott Circle Trail.If you’re registered, on the waitlist, or just curious about ultra bikepacking in Arizona, this episode will help you prepare mentally and strategically for what’s shaping up to be a big, demanding year on course.----------------Event Website: https://danaernst.com/PinyonsPines/Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1382713Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingrace/ Arizona State Trust Land Permit: https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/---------------- - Podcast Support & Welcome - Event Disclaimer, Safety & Self-Supported Rules - Eighth Edition Overview & Course Stats - Benchmark Ride & Course Difficulty - Registration, Waitlist & Sponsors - GPS Files, Route Updates & Mud Bypass - Parking, Pre-Race Gathering & Permits - Why This Year’s Route (Crown King & Additions) - Full Course Overview & Bike Choice - Opening Section: Woody Mountain to Sedona - Cottonwood Resupply Strategy - Spring Valley to Crown King Climb - Senator Highway to Prescott Loop - Prescott Resupply & 24-Hour Options - Mount Union & Major Descents - Camp Verde Resupply & Final 100 Miles - Stoneman Lake Climb & Road Conditions - Mormon Lake Resupply & Final Summit - Final Stretch to Finish - Final Notes, Contact Info & Campfire Policy----------------#endurance #bikepacking
- Mar 27, 20263h 3m
Dana Ernst: Why Doing Hard Things Matters - Bikepacking, Mindset & Dylan’s SAUER Recap #55
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode, Dana Ernst joins me to dive deep into the mindset behind endurance sports, self-reliance, and why doing hard things still matters in a world built for convenience.The conversation explores how modern culture—shaped by instant gratification, easy access to credit, and curated experiences—has shifted our relationship with effort, risk, and failure.You’ll hear reflections on competition, personal growth, and why bikepacking and ultra-endurance events offer something many people feel is missing: real challenge and earned experience. We also unpack themes like financial philosophy (“die with zero”), balancing spending vs. saving, and how pursuing experiences over possessions can shape a more meaningful life.Toward the back half of the episode, I share a recap of my recent effort at SAUER—the Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride—including key takeaways, lessons learned, and how the experience is shaping the rest of my season.----------------https://www.instagram.com/dcernst/https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingride/https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleyrandonnee/SAUER: https://thesauer.weebly.comFull Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/ehl9y7https://www.chaparralcycles.com---------------- Intro, Sponsor Acknowledgments, and Pre-show Banter Dog Burger Race Overview & Competitive Background Sports, Teamwork, and Personal Development Self-Reliance, Generational Perspectives, and Consumer Behavior Money, Risk, and Life Philosophy Minimalism, Possessions, and Personal Mindset Travel, Iceland, and Outdoor Exploration Risk, Failure, and Inspirational Stories Documentary Discussion and Storytelling Stagecoach 100: Logistics, Safety, and Risk Management Media, Storytelling, and Documentary Production Challenges Branding, Growth, and Event Evolution Route Planning, Course Design, and Scouting Race Mindset and Early Experiences Race Dynamics, Equipment, and Terrain Challenges Route Logistics, Safety, and Resupply Gear, Nutrition, and Performance Strategy Training, Coaching, and AI Insights Equipment Optimization and Race Execution Fatigue, Competition, and Final Race Push Safety, Inclusivity, and Race Concepts Route Comparisons and Course Difficulty Finish Rates and Race Analysis Bike Tech: Batteries, Shifting, and Lighting Gear Setup, Packing, and Preferences Tires, Gear, and Race Overview Race Logistics, Rules, and Closing Thoughts----------------#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing
- Mar 13, 20262h 50m
Scott Morris: The Origins of Modern Bikepacking Racing, Trackleaders, & Dot Watching #54
✨ Support the Podcast ✨In this episode, I sit down with Scott Morris to explore the origins of some of the sport’s most influential ideas and technologies. Scott shares the story behind creating the Arizona Trail Race, including the now-legendary decision to carry bikes across the Grand Canyon to preserve a fully self-supported route. He also explains how early GPS technology, long-distance adventure riding, and a DIY ethos helped shape the foundations of modern bikepacking events. The conversation also dives into Scott’s role in building the tools that power the sport today, including Trackleaders and TopoFusion, and how satellite trackers sparked the phenomenon of “dot watching.” Along the way, we discuss the evolution of endurance racing, the challenges of running a small tech company in the outdoor space, tracking massive ultrarunning events, and how new technologies like Starlink are changing the way people live and work in the backcountry. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the history of self-supported racing, the technology behind modern endurance events, and the mindset that helped shape bikepacking into what it is today.----------------https://www.instagram.com/trackingscott/https://trackleaders.com---------------- Side-by-Side Use, Regulation, and Night Riding Issues Skiing vs Snowboarding Culture Intro, Arizona Trail Race & First Grand Canyon Bike Crossing Planning Self-Reliance Philosophy and Ultra-Run Comparisons Arizona Trail Expedition, Early Mapping Software & GPS Signal Issues Starlink, Satellite Redundancy, and the Mobile Remote Work Lifestyle Challenges of Running Your Own Business Event Tracking Technology, Competition, and Market Post-COVID Expansion and Multisport Tracking Major Events and Race Coverage Overview Spot Trackers and Event Logistics Track Leaders Origin and Tour Divide History Growth, Community Adoption, and System Maintenance Track Leaders Features, Complexity, and Development Challenges Historical Data and Race Planning Insights Biometrics, Metrics, and Athlete Performance Data Cellular and Satellite Connectivity for Tracking Professional Event Tracking and Ping App Development GPS Adoption in Ultra-Running and Watches Early Bikepacking GPS Navigation Stories Technology Integration and GPS-Defined Courses Advanced Route Building for the Arizona Trail Grand Loop Planning and Bikepacking Philosophy Race Leadership, Controversies, and COVID Impacts Permits, Sheriff Threats, and Rescue Incidents Grand Canyon Crossing Logistics and Water Planning Cheating Cases and Community Policing in Bikepacking Sponsorship, Commercialization, and Event Limits Accessible Gravel Events and The Strange Series Planning Personal Ultra Bike Races and Safety Concerns Sleep Deprivation Stories and Race Regulations Extreme Endurance Sports: Motor Racing, Motorcycles, and Iditarod Bikepacking Heritage, Gear, and Media Evolution Arizona Endurance Series and Mingus Trail Adventures Community Reflections on Self-Supported Bikepacking AI in Race Tracking: Ideas, Concerns, and Productivity Nuclear Fusion and Future Energy Discussion Viral Content, Algorithms, and Podcast Philosophy Rapid Fire Q&A SOS Rescues, Emergency Protocol, and Safety Lessons Bike Gear Debates, Tires, and Camping Stories Contact Information and Show Wrap-Up----------------#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing
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