The Trail and Error Podcast

For our 100th Episode I had the pleasure of chatting to the super talented Mercedes Siegle-Gaither.

We're clearly on full Arc of Attrition mode now as we're just 48 hours away from the start of the 100 race and it was so much fun hearing about her prep and chatting too about the race, her entry into the sport and the comparisons between north American and European trails and where the differences are.

We talk about her race at UTS and how she and her kit handled the jagged Eryri peaks and blistering heat during the race.

And we cover burning topics such as who makes the best danish pastries and whether poles are a good idea and how pole etiquette should be mandatory training.

Find out more about Mercedes on her IG feed - @theslimcede

Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated!

Jay and Lewis

#arcofattritionbyutmb

Sabrina Stanley joins me on this episode as we look towards her upcoming participation in the 2026 Arc of Attrition by UTMB.

For Sabrina the podium and quite often first place came regularly from 2016 onwards. A 4th place finish in Leadville was quickly followed by a 3rd place in States in 2017, followed by taking the win at Hardrock the year. After the race world emerged from the pandemic she went onto take another win on her return to Hardrock in 2021.

From thereon European races including a 2nd at UTS 100M became regular occurrences in her race calendar and two top ten finishes, 9th and then 7th at UTMB came in '23 and '24 respectively.

In the midst of preparing for her return to Chamonix to improve that position further came a cancer diagnosis.

After multiple surgeries including a hysterectomy she emerged stronger and closed out her 'worst and best' year by marrying Tim!

Now in recovery, and with her most recent treatment only months ago she's getting back on the horse with her first race, the 100 mile Arc.

We also chat about her sponsorship as an OnlyFans Athlete and how they supported her with their innovative approach to sponsorship and the freedoms that affords her.

I think this runners positive mental attitude will truly astound you and I think she's got her best running still ahead of her.

I really hope you enjoy this episode!

Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated!

Jay and Lewis

Image credit - Phil Mckenzie

Ep. 98 Jamie Stephenson

We're delighted to welcome Jamie back to the podcast.

Well known throughout the Cornish trail running community, Jamie has returned to his home county after a couple of years enjoying the mountain trails of Portugal and after smashing his previous outing on the old Arc 50 and setting many records on the race scene he's now taking on his first 100 miler in the shape of... the Arc of Attrition by UTMB.

As the current champion of the Arc, for a few days more at least, Lewis has a unique perspective to what it takes to top the podium on the new format being the first to win the mens race since the it joined the UTMB World Series in 2025.

We chat about the upcoming race and cover tactics, course changes, and of course kit.

With less than a week to go, the start line looms large now and we find out what goes through the minds of those standing behind the tape at the front of the pack.

Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated!

Jay and Lewis

Ep. 97 Charlotte Fisher

Charlotte joins me to talk about her explosion onto the race scene with podium after podium over the past few years.

With the Arc of Attrition by UTMB 100 her next race it was an ideal time to chat and find out more about her running journey and winning her first EVER race which just happened to be a 100km trail race!
We dive into the tough lessons and successes, the races that have gone to plan and what it takes to grind out a finish when the wheels have fallen off.
Expectation of success is a pressure that can be generated both externally and internally and imposter syndrome is a common trait among many runners at the sharp end and Charlotte talks about this and the steps she's taken to build resilience in this area going forward
Every now and again you can say you've seen the future and after chatting with Charlotte on this episode I'm 100% sure we'll be seeing a lot more from this runner over the coming years.

Thanks again to all of you for listening.

If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated!

Jay and Lewis

Ep. 96 Arc of Attrition 2026

We're delighted to chat to Ferg and Jane about the upcoming Arc of Attrition and get under the hood on changes to this edition of the race. 

With 4 race distances over the 3 days there's a lot to manage and of course as always with this race the weather in the depths of a Cornish winter will play a huge part in the success of failure of the participants.

With Lewis topping the podium previously on the Arc 50 and Arc 100 he's taking on the Arc 25 this year and we get the lowdown on the course changes and changes to the race starts, finishes and updates on the improved race village logistics. 

Everything points to a another fantastic event this January and with less than 2 months to that first start at Coverack, both the runners and race organisers are watching the clock tick down as they work frantically to prepare for another Arc of Attrition by UTMB! 

Thanks again to all of you for listening. If you have a moment please, like, subscribe and if you have a few seconds more, perhaps write a short review. It's all a great help to us in growing the audience and is very much appreciated!

Jay and Lewis