In Episode 7 of the Outsider Podcast, we sit down with HOKA Pro Trail Runner Ricki Wynne in front of a live audience during the Outsider.ie HOKA Challenger Tour across Ireland. From The Sports Room in Wicklow to the coast of Sligo, the conversation is as much about grit as it is about joy, and it offers a rare glimpse into the heart of one of Ireland’s most captivating endurance athletes.
From the get-go, this episode has the relaxed feel of a trailhead chat, Ricki and Matt, two Irish Internationals, comparing notes, swapping stories, and teasing out what it really takes to perform on the world stage while still keeping the fire alive. Ricki doesn’t just talk about how he became one of Ireland’s top ultrarunners; he brings you right into his journey, from football pitches in Leitrim to dodging a bear in the middle of the Western States 100.
We dig into Ricki’s path to ultra-distance running, one that began in team sports and obstacle course racing before evolving into a full-blown obsession with mountain running. His story is one of relentless curiosity and raw ambition, of seeing videos of Western States on YouTube and deciding, “I want to be there.” And eventually, he was.
What follows is one of the richest segments of the podcast: a deep dive into Ricki’s experience at Western States, the most iconic 100-mile race in the world. He shares every twist in the road, including the moment a bear charged out of the forest during the race.
The episode also explores the mindset behind big performances. Ricki and host Matthew McConnell discuss everything from fueling strategies and heat adaptation to the psychological art of “staying in the fight” when the legs go and they hit the wall. Whether it’s an uphill race or a 100-mile sufferfest, both runners speak to the quiet, stubborn joy of pushing limits, and why smiling, even when it hurts, is sometimes the most powerful tool you have.
There’s practical gold here too. For runners prepping for long races or tough climbs, the pair dig into pole technique, strength training (or lack thereof), and whether heart rate data really matters. Ricki, ever the minimalist, champions the power of “underthinking”, a superpower, he says, that keeps the joy intact. Matthew offers a thoughtful contrast, showing how training structure and coaching can coexist with playfulness and freedom.
As the conversation wraps, what lingers is the strong sense of community. From pacing through the final miles of Western States with a friend, to watching younger athletes rise up through the Irish trail scene, Ricki’s love for the sport goes well beyond personal success. “Anyone can do this,” he says, and he means it.
Whether you’re training for your first trail race or dreaming of 100 miles through the mountains, this episode is a powerful reminder of why we run in the first place.
