Yitka Winn

Career Trajectory: From Collegiate Writer to Authority on Endurance Sports

Yitka Winn has cultivated a multifaceted career blending long-form journalism with elite ultrarunning. Her work at the intersection of outdoor sports and human storytelling spans:

• Oberlin College Beginnings (2005-2009): Developed narrative voice through personal blogging about running, travel, and campus life [2][9]
• Trail Runner Magazine Era (2010-2016): Served as associate editor while competing in 100-mile mountain races [4][5]
• REI Content Leadership (2016-Present): Shapes product storytelling as editor for this outdoor retail giant [4][6]
• Substack Community Building (2023-Present): Founded Runners Who Write to nurture athlete-writers [6][7]

"Writing and running both require showing up consistently, even when inspiration falters. The magic happens in the daily grind." - Winn in 2024 interview [5]

Defining Works

Understanding the FKT Phenomenon Among Runners (REI Co-op Journal)

This 2016 analysis popularized the concept of Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts beyond niche running circles. Winn traces the history of unsupported mountain speed records through:

• Interviews with pioneers like Peter Bakwin
• Data visualization of record attempts on the Appalachian Trail
• Critique of GPS verification challenges

The piece became required reading for outdoor brands developing FKT sponsorship programs [4].

How a Working Mom Trains for the Hardrock Hundred (Sarah Running Substack)

Winn's 2024 profile of elite runner Sarah Lavender Smith redefined parenting narratives in endurance sports. Key elements:

• Time management analysis using training logs
• Intergenerational interviews with Smith's children
• Economic breakdown of race preparation costs

This piece sparked industry conversations about childcare support at ultramarathons [5].

Community Profiles: Q&A with Jade Belzberg (Runners Who Write)

Winn's 2024 interview series exemplifies her community-focused approach. This installment with mental health advocate Jade Belzberg features:

• Writing process comparisons between running and journalism
• Cross-analysis of race performance data and publication history
• Discussion about creative burnout prevention techniques

The series has become a template for athlete-driven storytelling [7].

Pitching Recommendations

Humanize Elite Athletic Performance

Winn consistently contextualizes extraordinary physical feats through relatable lenses. Successful pitches should include:

• Training schedules juxtaposed with family/work commitments
• Equipment choices tied to personal values (e.g., sustainable gear)
• Anecdotes about creative problem-solving during races

Example: Her Hardrock Hundred analysis compares parenting logistics to race nutrition planning [5].

Explore Community Infrastructure

Winn prioritizes stories about systems enabling outdoor participation:

• Trail maintenance volunteer programs
• Local running groups serving marginalized communities
• Environmental impact studies of race venues

Example: Her FKT piece examines how GPS apps created new volunteer roles for record validation [4].

Bridge Art and Athletics

Pitches should identify intersections between:

• Creative writing workshops for athletes
• Photography techniques adapted from race documentation
• Musical influences on training regimens

Example: Winn's Substack interviews pair writing samples with race reports [7].

Awards and Recognition

Cascade Crest 100 Dominance

Winn's four victories (2016-2023) at Washington's premier ultramarathon demonstrate her unique dual expertise:

• 2023 win featured in Trail Runner magazine's "Most Inspiring Performances"
• Course record analysis used in sports physiology studies

Media Innovation Award Finalist

Outdoor Media Council recognized her 2023 Substack series for:

• Pioneering athlete-generated content models
• Developing accessibility standards for audio versions of race reports