Running
Sage Canaday on Competition, Content, and the Future of Running
Free Outside›
May 29, 20261:08:52
Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
Listen
Keep going with Free Outside.
Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.
Mentioned in this episode
Episode Notes
Sage Canaday has done a lot in running.
A 2:16 marathoner, mountain running champion, Western States golden ticket winner, coach, YouTuber, and one of the few people who can jump into a conversation about track workouts, UTMB, 200 milers, social media, and sports nutrition without it feeling out of place.
In this episode, we talk about Sage's "Any Surface. Any Distance." philosophy and how he went from chasing Olympic Trials standards to racing ultras and building one of the longest-running YouTube channels in endurance sports.
We also dive into how running has changed over the last decade. The rise of influencers, AI coaching, optimization culture, sports nutrition trends, sponsorships, and the blurry line between being a professional athlete and a content creator.
Along the way, Sage shares stories from Western States, his battle with a pulmonary embolism, losing his apartment in a fire, rebuilding his career, and why he still believes there are new challenges worth chasing at age 40.
We cover:
• Why 100 milers humble fast marathoners
• Cocodona and the rise of 200-mile racing
• Social media's impact on running culture
• AI coaching and the future of training
• Sports nutrition, bicarb, and optimization trends
• Aging as an athlete
• Clean sport and performance-enhancing drugs
• Western States bear encounters
• Why Sage still wants to keep trying new distances
Support our Sponsors:
Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/
Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726
CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee
Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab
Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com
Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside
Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF
Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com
Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside
Website: www.Freeoutside.com
Instagram: thefreeoutside
facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure
Next listen
All from Free Outside →
Next listen
Ann Trason on Western States, Aging, and What Endurance Means After the Records
Yesterday1:12:54
Listen guide
How do I listen to this episode of Free Outside?
"Sage Canaday on Competition, Content, and the Future of Running" is an episode of Free Outside. Runtime 1 hr 8 min. Published May 29, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
Step by step
- Open Spot Sports. Get the free Spot Sports app for background play, lock-screen controls, and offline downloads.
- Or stream right here. Tap play on the episode card above. No app needed.
- Browse the full podcast. Jump to the Free Outside page for the rest of the catalog.
- Or subscribe in any podcast app. Free Outside ships on a standard RSS feed, so Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts all work too.
Quick FAQ
- When was this episode published?
- May 29, 2026.
- How long is this episode?
- 1 hr 8 min.
- What podcast is this from?
- Free Outside. Browse the full back catalog on the show page.
- What does this episode cover?
- Free Outside covers running. This episode runs on the show's regular cadence.
