Winning Western States, Adversity, and Return to Glory! | A Conversation with Adam Peterman

The Tracer Podcast is back! In this episode, Tracer Co-Founder Dr. Joey Wilson sits down with one of the most dominant forces in modern ultrarunning: Adam Peterman. After a historic 2022 season where he seemed invincible, Adam faced a grueling road through injuries, a legendary "slog" to the finish line at Western States 2025, and a triumphant return to the top of the podium at the 2026 Canyons 100k. Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, Adam’s insights into volume, injury prevention, and the "activation energy" needed to get out the door are pure gold.

Watch on YouTube, or listen via your favorite podcasting app by searching for "The TRACER Podcast."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Legendary 2022 Run: A look back at Adam’s sweep of the Chuckanut 50k, Canyons 100k, Western States 100, and the World Championships.

The Transition Trap: How Adam’s 20-hour-a-week Nordic skiing habit built a "race car engine" that his "junkyard tires" (his legs) weren't ready for, leading to a sacral stress fracture.

Healing the Achilles: The specific PT protocol (heavy eccentric loading) that saved Adam’s career after years of nagging pain.

The "Skeleton Dance" at Western States: Why Adam chose to walk 38 miles to the finish line in 2025 and the emotional power of the ultrarunning community.

Training for Specificity: Why Adam now prioritizes "shocking the quads" with downhill-specific sessions and how his training has evolved under coach John Fitzgerald.

Calling BS on "Hacks": Adam’s take on Bicarb, Ketones, and why there is no substitute for high-volume aerobic development.