Join our all-encompassing discussion with World Champion OCR Racer Amelia Boone. We discuss everything from writing, where to run in Cupertino, CA, experiences at Barkley, her High Lonesome 100 finish and resulting injury, recovery from eating disorders, and her feelings on not having children. It was a powerful, honest, and open discussion that Jon loves to showcase on the podcast. Hope y'all enjoy!

Check out Amelia's Substack.

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A world champion who won’t hide the mess—that’s why this conversation with Amelia Boone hits so hard. We start with the light stuff—Pikes Peak crowds, race-directing curveballs, and the kind of trail etiquette that makes you laugh later—and then move into the stories that define a life in motion. Amelia brings sharp insight on writing and why useful race reports still matter, the pivot from obstacle racing to ultras, and what happens when early success meets lessons your bones won’t let you ignore.

From High Lonesome’s “fall in front of the photographer” moment to finding out later it was a patella fracture, Amelia talks through risk management, fueling choices at altitude, and the unglamorous truth of hypothermia prevention: taped seams, gloves, and respecting the weather. We head into the fog of Barkley, where briars, cliffs, and veterans’ wisdom matter more than any GPS track. The mystique isn’t an accident—it’s the point—and the community around the campfire is as real as the miles.

The heart of the episode is honesty. Amelia shares why she spoke publicly about her eating disorder, what recovery looks like in daily practice, and how ultrarunning can become a healthier exchange—fueling for function, choosing presence over perfection, and refusing to let a calorie calculator run your life. We also talk about the layered grief of not having children, the space between binary labels, and how to build meaning through mentorship, community, and showing up for others. The takeaway is simple and hard: stop gripping so tight to outcomes, take care of your body, and savor the moments that last—like singing down a final descent with someone you love.

If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review. Tell us what lesson you’re taking to your next long run—we’re reading every word.

Thanks for listening to Running With Problems. Follow us on Instagram @runningwithproblems. DM us there with questions in text or audio messages! Or email us at [email protected].

Hosted by Jon Eisen (@mildly_athletic) and Miranda Williamson (@peaksandjustice). Edited by Jon Eisen. Theme music by Matt Beer.