Ep. 4 – Blood Work, Training Talk & Endurance Hot Takes
In this episode of PEP Talk, Nico and Mercedes chat about:Final training recap from SquamishNico’s blood work: gluten-free or not?Super shoes: hype vs. realityHigh-carb fueling tipsHeat trainingZone 2: why it mattersStrength & mobility: staying strong and injury-free
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Ep. 3 - Life in Squamish, Training Camp & UTMB Prep
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 the importance of intentional preparation for big endurance goals.
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Ep. 2 - Winning the Alpenglow 100K: Nico’s Race Report
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-ups, and how he navigated the highs and lows of 100km in the mountains. We also reflect on lessons learned, takeaways for future races, and what’s next on Nico’s racing calendar.
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Ep. 1 - Intro to PEP Talk
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 optimization, balancing life and training, injury management, race experiences, travel logistics, community building, mental health, and the role of women in sports. We aim to create a supportive and informative space for listeners interested in endurance sports and personal growth. Thanks for listening!
🎙️ Welcome to PEP Talk – hosted by Mercedes and Nico, a trail-running couple navigating the highs and lows of training, racing, and real life.
We're not just partners in life; we're also coach (Nico) and athlete (Mercedes), and we’re here to explore what it means to train like an elite while living like regular people. From performance optimization and injury management to the mental game and community building, we talk openly about the realities behind the miles - the good, the gritty, and everything in between.
Canada - english