How do you train like an elite skimo athlete without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of SKIMO Gold, host Travis Macy sits down with longtime friends and legends of the endurance world—athlete Jack Linehan and coach Joe Howdyshell—for a conversation that’s as thoughtful as it is informative.

Jack shares what it’s like training in Chamonix (yes, carbs and croissants are involved), laying out a high-performance weekly routine that includes 10–14 hours of aerobic work, 6–7 hours of strength, and another 6–7 of mobility and PT. Joe, founder of Summit Endurance Academy, breaks down his coaching philosophy, with a focus on feel-first training, mood tracking, and what he calls the “internal power meter”—a way to guide training based on intuition, not just data.

They explore the importance of mental health in high-performance sports, how to fuel effectively for sprint races (hint: 225 grams of carbs in one bottle), and why creating space between your identity and achievements can unlock more joy and longevity in racing.

Whether you're chasing podiums or just trying to stay stoked through winter, this episode is packed with the wisdom, strategy, and soul of skimo. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

From elite racer to grassroots builder to Olympic team leader, Sarah Cookler is helping shape the future of ski mountaineering in the U.S. In this episode of SKIMO Gold, host Travis Macy sits down with Sarah—Head of Sport for USA Ski Mountaineering Association—to talk about her incredible journey from Vermont Nordic skier to head coach, race director, and force behind Project Podium.

Sarah shares how she’s grown the Silver Fork Ski Mountaineering Club into a powerhouse program, fostering a community-first approach that develops fast, skilled, and enthusiastic athletes—especially among youth. She talks mental prep, race-day transitions, gear tech (yes, we’re talking skin rips and kangaroo pockets), and why the mental game is just as important as physical training.

They dig into what it takes to grow the sport in the U.S.—from local race organizers and family participation to youth programs and Olympic goals. Sarah also reflects on her own race experiences, coaching philosophy, and how her background in emergency medicine helps her thrive under pressure.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a parent of a budding skimo athlete, or dreaming of 2026, this one’s packed with wisdom, inspiration, and community spirit. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Espresso and ski mountaineering—two things Davide Giardini takes very seriously. In this episode, Travis Macy sits down with the Italian-born, Boulder-based endurance athlete to explore the deep cultural roots of ski mountaineering, from its military heritage in World War I to its modern-day evolution as an Olympic sport.

Davide shares his personal journey from triathlon to skimo, the challenges of transitioning between sports, and how he found community and purpose in Boulder’s endurance scene. He and Travis dive into the differences between European and American skimo funding, the rise of youth programs in the U.S., and how the sport can grow through mass participation events and grassroots initiatives.

Oh, and coffee? Davide’s got strong opinions. He and Travis debate espresso culture, ristretto vs. American single origins, and the critical role of caffeine in endurance sports. Whether you’re a seasoned skimo racer, an uphill enthusiast, or just here for the coffee talk, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a vision for the future of ski mountaineering. Let’s go!

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Thanks to our sponsors Redmond Real Salt and CAMP

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Learn more about Travis Macy and Cam Smith

Follow along with Skimo Gold and the Travis Macy Show

Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.