Episode 692: Canyon Woodward on Chasing a Top 10 at Western States This Weekend!

Western States is here, and I couldn’t think of a better guest to have on the podcast than Canyon Woodward.

Canyon has quietly become one of the most exciting athletes in trail running. He became the first ultrarunner to earn three consecutive top-five finishes at Western States Golden Ticket races in a single season, finishing third at the 2025 Javelina 100, fourth at the 2026 Black Canyon 100K, and fifth at the 2026 Canyons 100K. His progression at UTMB has been just as impressive, climbing from 48th place in 2022 to 13th place in 2025.

But Canyon’s story goes far beyond racing. He grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina, was homeschooled, spent part of his childhood in the remote community of Stehekin, Washington, and now balances elite ultrarunning with environmental advocacy and political organizing. He also co-authored the book Dirt Road Revival.

This was such a thoughtful conversation. We talk about growing up immersed in the outdoors, his journey into elite trail running, preparing for his Western States debut, and why he believes “stacking bricks” applies just as much to life and community as it does to training.

A big thank you to Mount to Coast for connecting me with Canyon. He’s sponsored by Mount to Coast and will be racing Western States in one of their trail shoes this weekend.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love for you to leave a rating and review. It helps more people discover the show.

Thanks for being here, and enjoy my conversation with Canyon Woodward.

What we talked about:

Growing up in western North Carolina and Stehekin, Washington
How homeschooling and outdoor adventures shaped his life
Balancing environmental advocacy, politics, and professional running
His progression from first ultramarathons to Western States contender
Preparing for his Western States debut and race strategy
UTMB progression and lessons learned over four years
Pacers, Golden Tickets, and the future of elite trail racing
Finding purpose through running, community, and public lands advocacy

Media mentioned:

Books

Dirt Road Revival
Landmarks

Documentary

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