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Running
Winning Western States, Adversity, and Return to Glory! | A Conversation with Adam Peterman
The TRACER Podcast - Trail Running, Ultramarathons, and Endurance Fitness›
May 14, 20261:15:12
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Running
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The Tracer Podcast is back! In this episode, Tracer Co-Founder Dr. Joey Wilson sits down with one of the most dominant forces in modern ultrarunning: Adam Peterman. After a historic 2022 season where he seemed invincible, Adam faced a grueling road through injuries, a legendary "slog" to the finish line at Western States 2025, and a triumphant return to the top of the podium at the 2026 Canyons 100k. Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, Adam’s insights into volume, injury prevention, and the "activation energy" needed to get out the door are pure gold.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Legendary 2022 Run: A look back at Adam’s sweep of the Chuckanut 50k, Canyons 100k, Western States 100, and the World Championships.
The Transition Trap: How Adam’s 20-hour-a-week Nordic skiing habit built a "race car engine" that his "junkyard tires" (his legs) weren't ready for, leading to a sacral stress fracture.
Healing the Achilles: The specific PT protocol (heavy eccentric loading) that saved Adam’s career after years of nagging pain.
The "Skeleton Dance" at Western States: Why Adam chose to walk 38 miles to the finish line in 2025 and the emotional power of the ultrarunning community.
Training for Specificity: Why Adam now prioritizes "shocking the quads" with downhill-specific sessions and how his training has evolved under coach John Fitzgerald.
Calling BS on "Hacks": Adam’s take on Bicarb, Ketones, and why there is no substitute for high-volume aerobic development.
REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Conversation with Jesse Rich: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9bQwslsaTk
Conversation with Max King about Activation Energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nqjflxncl4
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Learn more at tracerfitness.com. Get a free trail and start getting faster now!
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Listen guide
"Winning Western States, Adversity, and Return to Glory! | A Conversation with Adam Peterman" is an episode of The TRACER Podcast - Trail Running, Ultramarathons, and Endurance Fitness. Runtime 1 hr 15 min. Published May 14, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.
