The Trail and Error Podcast

Episode 102 Sha Khan
Visually Impaired Ultra Trail Runner

Imagine you're taking on the Arc of Attrition.
Wild weather, technical trail, hundreds of other runners all moving at different speeds and all funneling down the narrow coast path with you.

Now imagine all of that and you're visually impaired!

Meet Sha Khan, a visually impaired ultra trail runner who took on and completed this year's Arc of Attrition 12 by UTMB in January.

In this episode we dive into the story of how Sha, who wasn't a runner before losing his eyesight, discovered purpose and freedom through trail running.

I'm joined again by Matt Whyman, friend and author of 'Failure is not an option' , as Sha explains the nuts and bolts of how running tethered to a guide works, from learning to walk, to a 5k, to the Arc.

There's no stopping him now as he'll soon be taking on the mountain trails around Mt. Blanc on MCC!

Inspiring, brave and brimming with energy, I hope you enjoy this chat with Sha and if YOU fancy being part of his attempt on the Arc 100 in 2027 listen to learn how to get involved as a running guide!

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 (and Matt)

Episode 101

I'm joined on this episode by Danny Stokes, founder of TrailFam, and my friend and author of 'Failure is an option' Matt Whyman as co-host.

What fires someone up enough to launch a charity? Danny's experience of lockdown vs. his students' experience was the catalyst to set about bringing change in how access to green spaces and nature is provisioned for young people.

We dive into the nuts and bolts of how this inspiring charity helps young people increase their fitness, explore the outdoors and also improve their future life pathways.

We also chat about the future of the charity and its new expansion to my home county of Cornwall as well as plans beyond 2026.

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 (and Matt)

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