Ryan Sandes

Well, the launch of Talk Ultra happened on Friday 27th Jan and one week later we have had over 5500 downloads.

Needless to say, both Ian and myself are completely blown away with the response.

This though is just the start. It has taken me months of work to get the show released, but now it is released we have to go through the process every two weeks.

Episode 1 had a few editing issues that I was aware of but we didnt have the software to solve them! Or should I say the combination of knowledge and software… To this end I spent 20 hours yesterday going through some new software and bringing my knowledge base to the correct level. My editing now has gone a little slower as it takes a while to get used to the shortcuts and to edit intuitively. The good news is though we have some significant sound improvements over episode 1.

Don’t get me wrong. Episode 1 was very satisfying but those little errors do irritate. I want the production levels to be the best!

This week we have topped the iTunes charts for sports and recreation podcasts and have had a top 10 placing in ALL podcast. Impressive and very satisfying.

Moving forward we have some great interviews coming up. Last night I interviewed David Horton, 1am for me – 8pm for him. Podcasting brings a whole new level of ‘endurance’ to ultra. Not only do I need to run long, I also seem to sleep less. C’est la vie… David Horton is a legend and his interview will be in episode 4.

In episode 2 we have the creator of Western States 100 miler, Gordy Ainsleigh. Gordy is a real character and has some great stories to tell. Boy can he talk….. 😉

Episode 3 will have New Zealand runner Anna Frost. Anna had a fantastic season in 2011 and over the winter months has been doing some really impressive challenges. Sponsored by Salomon, she is part of one of the top ultra teams. They have a very impressive line up in Sandes, Jornet and Heras amongst others.

Importantly, all our shows have Speedgoat Karl Meltzer doing a ‘Meltzer Moment’. Karl has won 31 100 mile races in his career and he is still at the top of his game. We have given Karl a free reign and in each show he will talk about the Good, Bad & Ugly of the ultra world.

Eventually, I will get to write up about some of my recent racing and training.

Look forward lot your feedback on Talk Ultra.

Keep running….. ian

Wow, it has been a really hectic few months and blogging has been put on hold. The reason? Well, Talk Ultra.

I have been trying to get an ultra running podcast off the ground for the best part of 12 months. Suddenly, in September/ October 2011 it all started to come together. My good friends at Martahon Talk, Martin Yelling and Tom Williams confirmed that the expansion plans for the MT brand was going to go ahead and therefore finally I was in a place to get Talk Ultra off the ground.

I contacted Ian Sharman, fellow Brit who now lives in the USA who happens to be a pretty darn quick ultra runner. He burst onto the ultra scene in 2011 with a stunning 12:44 at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler. He was a great choice as a co host. Great runner, respected athlete and a good communicator.

Key aspects of a new podcast had to bring something new to the arena. I had plans up my sleeve and I am pleased to say that they have all come together and appear in episode 1 of the show.

Firstly is a key interview with a star or notable celebrity in the sport. Episode 1 has South African, Ryan Sandes. Episode 2 has Western States creator, Gordy Aisnleigh. Episode 3, New Zealand runner, Anna Frost and so we have set the scene for a great show format.

I contacted Ultra Legend Karl Meltzer and asked if he would do a regular slot on the show. He agreed! Speedgoat Karl will now be on every show in a ‘Meltzer Moment’ talking about the Good, the bad and the ugly of the sport.

In order to appeal to the masses, I also wanted to include a section that gave ‘every’ listener the opportunity to be a guest on the show… This is called ’15 mins of fame’ and we encourage you all to nominate and recommend anybody. We have no criteria other than that the person should have achieved something special within ultra sport. This maybe something for charity, running a first ultra, maybe running 50 ultras or maybe just doing that ‘zone thing’ that stands out from the crowd.

Ultralegands is a look at the history of the sport. Phil Essam from Australia will provide a regular 5 min slot looking back at how ultra started and key moments in the sport.

So, it is an exciting time. Each show will be released every two weeks and episode 2 will be available on Feb 10th.

As I write, episode 1 has been available for 48 hours and we are absolutely blown away with over 3500 downloads. Incredible.

I value your feedback and your support so please contact me.

You can download the show here:

SHOW LINK

RSS feed
http://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss

iTUNES
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073

Many thanks and don’t worry. I will be back with regular posts!!

Yours in sport,
Ian