Fitness Training
Trail-Chasing with Toni McCann
Trail Chasing unpacks the grit, glory, and guts of rising star Toni McCann—her journey from med school to trail running elite is nothing short of inspiring.
South African dynamo Toni McCann is charging ahead—one summit at a time. Fresh off her triumphant victory at the 24-kilometer Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB on March 29, 2025, where she dominated the course's grueling 1,300-meter elevation gain in just 2 hours and 8 minutes, we thought it was a good time to revisit Toni's chat with Dean Horwitz on The Trail Chasers Podcast. That episode, which came after winning at CCC in 2024, is less "casual chat," more "push-until-you-ca n't-then-push-some-more." And believe us—this one hits differently.
Here is a snapshot of what you can learn in that episode:
Mind Over Mountain
Running 100km isn’t just about strong legs—it’s about a stronger mind. In this episode, Toni opens up about the mental minefields hidden deep in the pain cave of ultra-distance races. Every kilometer brings doubt, fatigue, and surprise curveballs. But with laser-sharp focus and some next-level mental resilience, she’s learned to dance with the suffering—and come out stronger.
It Takes a Crew to Run Alone
In addition, the episode gives us insights into how behind every ultra win there is an army of support. Coaches, crews, family, and those trail-side strangers with cowbells and good vibes—Toni knows they all matter. She breaks down how teamwork, planning, and trust fuel solo success. Communication is key. Planning is power. And when you hit the wall at 70km, having your crew in sync is everything.
Why You Should Plug In
Dean Horwitz isn’t just hosting a podcast—he’s building a portal into the soul of trail running. And Toni McCann’s episode is a standout. It’s raw, real, and packed with wisdom for anyone who’s ever dreamed of chasing something bigger—whether that’s a mountain, a finish line, or their own limits.