Episode 572: Katie Schide – 2024 Western States and UTMB Champion (AND Course Record Holder)
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My guest today is Katie Schide, one of the top ultra runners in the world. In 2024, she made history by winning both the Western States 100 and UTMB, securing a rare double and setting a new course record at UTMB by over 20 minutes. Her victory at Western States marked a major breakthrough after finishing second at the same race in 2023, and her second win at UTMB (she first won in 2022) further solidified her place among the elite in the sport. Her consistent high-level performances also include a sixth-place finish at UTMB in 2019.
We dive into Katie’s training and life as a professional ultra runner. She lives in a remote part of France with her partner, where she enjoys the solitude and beauty of the mountains. Much of her training involves running, skiing, and biking, with a unique emphasis on ski mountaineering (or “ski-mo”), a form which serves as a demanding cross-training tool that she implements into her training during the winter months. It’s fascinating to hear how a top athlete integrates skiing into her routine, maintaining peak fitness during the off-season.
Katie also holds a PhD in geology and shares how her academic background influences her approach to life and training. Beyond her impressive racing resume, which includes podium finishes at nearly every major ultra, she has set her sights on future challenges, including the iconic Hardrock 100.
Sponsored by The North Face, Katie is an athlete you won’t want to miss following. You can connect with her on Instagram at @katieschide for more updates on her career and adventures in the mountains.
What we talked about:
9:00- Living and training in a remote area
14:25- Including skiing in her training and what winter training looks like
24:30- The past two years of Western States performances
33:45- Winning UTMB and winning Western States in one year
39:50- Her coach and what she attributes her running successes to
52:05- The rise of women in the sport of trail and ultra running
53:00- Breaking the course record at UTMB
1:02:20- End of podcast questions
Show notes:
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