This week I got to interview John Hirsch. John raced triathlons as a pro for over 20 years. He collected four Top 10 Pro Ironman finishes and competed at the notorious Kona Ironman World Championships. He had a ton of cool stories and great insights into triathlon and endurance training. Outside of triathlons he competed in trail races, grabbing three wins at the Spartan Ultra Beast Masters World Championships. Oh and he also still rips on trail, he was one of the only finishers at the @spartan Peak Snow Devil Snowshoe race from this January. A brutal winter race (snow shoes required) with cut offs that DNF most participants. He gave us the scoop into those races. Give it a listen.Before the interview, I gave my quick Last Skier Standing 2026 reaction. An epic throw down per usual.

HOW TO FIND JOHN:

INSTAGRAM: @thedeerrunner

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/john.hirsch.75

STRONG LIKE BULL FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/stronglikebullcamps

JOHN HIRSCH COACHING: https://www.stronglikebulltraining.com/coaching

Over the years I have refined my ideal kit and gear for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite pieces of running and hiking gear. By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq 

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Summer Running Vest: https://amzn.to/4feeEzr 

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L because I am usually bringing less gear. 

Winter Running Vest: https://amzn.to/4aVAoP7 

Solomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Solomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the winter, I use a 12L because I am bringing extra gear and it all fits fine. 

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. It's a higher stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi 

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack is pretty stable but also has some cushion to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5 

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed.

🎤PODCAST & CAMERA EQUIPMENT:

RodeCaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/4wCO0XR

Initially I recorded the podcasts through my laptop and a mixer box but it was a nightmare. I fully suggest anyone looking for podcast equipment to get an all-in-one audio production studio that handles mixing, processing, and internal multi-track recording. 

Shure SM58 Mic: https://amzn.to/4fdhEvQ 

The gold standard in microphones. 

Insta360 Go 3S: https://amzn.to/3RdE344 

I recorded my first handful of videos using this. Super tiny 4k camera that you can clip to your hat and get really cool POV videos.