Young, Fit, and Ready for the Pain Cave at Western States 100: Hans Troyer’s Journey

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

When your motto is “young and fit,” what does it look like to train for Western States?

Hans Troyer is a 25 year old pro ultrarunner who set the course record at the Bandera 100k in 2024 and who finished second at the 2025 Canyons 100k, earning him a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100.

Listen to hear about:

• Discovering the trail scene and becoming a pro runner
• The draw of the pain cave and suffering
• Preparation for Western States 100
• Hans’ fueling and nutrition strategies on and off the course
• The brands Hans loves

Stay connected:

• Hans on Instagram: instagram.com/hanstroyer
• Hans on YouTube: youtube.com/@HansIsYoungAndFit
• THE KID documentary: youtube.com/watch?v=ZZmeB4qub_U
• Find Hans Troyer on Strava
• For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
• Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
• Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com

This episode is supported by:

• Pillar: If you’re looking to step up your performance, check out PILLAR at TheFeed.com and use FTLR for 15% off your first purchase.
• GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit. Use code 25FTLR30 for 30% off an annual GOES+ plan. GOES+ gives you access to the rewards program, plus much more additional medical content and our emergency assessment tool!
• Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
• Visit Leadville: So you think you know Leadville? Lake County has so much more to offer year-round than just the 100 miler in the summer. If you’re thinking of getting away, highly recommend booking a trip to Leadville to get up into the mountains, eat yummy food, and play outside. Check out more of what Leadville has to offer here!