Hey ultrarunners!

Welcome to The Ultra Minute (TUM)—your weekly trail and ultra running update. When I first launched TUM, it was a way to keep up with everything happening in the trail and ultra running world without getting buried under podcasts, Instagram updates, and publications. As a dad trying to keep pace with two toddlers, I wanted a source that delivered the need-to-know moments, cut through the noise, and pointed to deeper stories worth the time.

What began as a personal project soon found its own audience, and I’m thrilled to share it with folks like you who love the sport, crave the trails, and want to stay plugged into the ultra community.

Why Subscribe?

The Ultra Minute isn’t just another results roundup. Every Tuesday, I deliver the latest highlights, key race results, notable stories, and must-read links. This isn’t just a news digest either—it’s a curated mix of the narratives and voices shaping trail and ultra running today.

Here’s what you can expect in every issue:

  • Key results and headlines: Stay updated on the big wins and the stories behind them-in one quick read.

  • Noteworthy links and articles: From can’t-miss news to race reports, reflective pieces, and thought-provoking essays, TUM connects you to some of the best writing in the trail & ultra community.

  • Cultural snapshots: A look at moments and trends influencing trail culture, all with an eye on what makes the sport so unique.

My Vision for TUM

  1. Your go-to source for trail and ultrarunning news: Capturing each week’s top stories, TUM is your quick, trusted source for trail and ultra running news.

  2. Elevate the community: From athletes to independent creators, I link to and highlight incredible voices contributing to our community. By pointing you to other creators, TUM also broadens your connection to the sport.

  3. Celebrate the trail experience: I’ve been captivated by trails since I first set off on the Appalachian Trail in 2005. Whether it’s a hike with my kids or a long weekend run, trail time brings a sense of connection with nature, the sport, and myself. I hope TUM encourages readers to spend more time outdoors—and a bit less staring at screens.

If this sounds like your jam, subscribe below to get full access to the newsletter and archives:

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Ken Seals. I’ve loved trails since I was 19, when I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail (trail name: “Traction”). While trail running has always been part of my life, ultra racing has only recently become a focus. Now at 39, with two young boys (and a third on the way), I’m embracing trail racing with fresh enthusiasm. Starting TUM has been a fun way to keep myself accountable in training and aim for a few racing goals—like tackling distances longer than 50 miles.

I’m not an ex-pro or a sponsored athlete. I’m just a dad who loves trail running, has followed the sport for years, and is finally diving into the race side of things. I hope TUM keeps you connected to the sport, whether you’re a long-time fan, new to the trails, or just enjoy cheering from the sidelines.

Thanks for reading, and welcome to the crew!

Stay in the Loop

Never miss an update—every new post goes straight to your inbox. For an ad-free experience with added audio and community features, grab the Substack app.

Join the Crew

Jump into the comments, support the work with a subscription, and connect with other trail and ultra fans here.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

User's avatar

Subscribe to The Ultra Minute

The latest ultrarunning news and culture—in one quick read.

People

3x founding designer, thru-hiker turned trail runner, 3x boy dad in Austin, TX, writing about the fast-growing world of trail and ultra running at The Ultra Minute.