Saddles 100, Satisfy Running, and the state of ultra running with Michael Versteeg

Michael Versteeg is something of a trail running relic. He operates like the old days prior to the word ‘elite’ even being a modifier of ‘trail running’.
In this episode he talks about his race - Saddles 100, Satisfy Running, Aravaipa, + more.
I’ve been looking forward to this for a while.
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00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
03:12 Working with Satisfy and the Authenticity of the Relationship
09:42 Participation in Cocodona and Trail Running Background
17:40 Perception of Himself as an Ultra Runner
22:04 The Connection with Satisfy and the Perfect Fit
28:54 The Long-Term Vision of Satisfy and the Culture of Trail Running
37:34 Saddles Race and the Motives Behind It
43:03 Maintaining the Authenticity and Intimacy of Races
44:58 Creating a Positive Race Environment
45:28 Expanding Saddles to Europe
46:23 The Difference Between Trail Running in the US and Europe
47:23 Balancing Lifestyle and Athletics
48:19 The Misconception of Balance in Professional Athletics
50:22 Taking Advantage of Opportunities and Building Relationships
51:18 The Authenticity and Branding of Saddles
52:01 Critiquing the Growth of Major Races
53:49 The Impact of Major Races on Local Races
56:47 The Negative Effects of Corporate Involvement in Trail Running
57:46 The Authenticity of Trail Running and Sponsorships
58:16 Creating a Unique Race Experience
59:45 Building Races on a Budget
01:00:40 The Importance of Local Races and Race Directors
01:01:36 Challenging the Status Quo in the Trail Running Community
01:02:33 Recognizing the Differences Between Local and Non-local Races
01:03:04 The Appeal of Western States and Other Major Races
01:04:31 The History and Lore of Western States
01:05:29 The Desire for an Interesting Life for Family
01:06:27 Compartmentalizing Involvement with Race Companies
01:07:29 Creating Unique Experiences in Zion
01:09:08 Investing Time in Meaningful Projects
01:10:33 Motivation and Finding Purpose in Ultra Running
01:14:00 The Challenges of Aging in Ultra Running
01:16:08 Creating Pretend Rivalries for Motivation
01:18:13 The Relevance and Motivation in Ultra Running
01:20:09 The Physical and Mental Toll of Ultra Running
01:22:45 Relearning Ultra Running and Finding Motivation
01:26:24 What Matters in Ultra Running
01:27:43 Motivations and Attention
01:29:04 The Impact of Attention on Personal Achievements
01:30:17 The Obsession with Achievements and Recognition
01:31:39 The Shift in Sports Culture and Mental Health
01:33:21 Becoming an Influencer and the Broader Landscape of Trail Running
01:35:47 The Obsession with Speed in Endurance Sports
01:37:25 The Definition of Endurance and Multi-day Running