This week, Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian Passenti sit down with Jes Parker, the founder of the innovative new enterprise, Take2Trail.com

In a sport where gear can be prohibitively expensive and environmental waste is a growing concern, Jes is changing the narrative. We dive deep into her personal journey from accidental runner to Backyard Ultra competitor, and how that path led her to create a mission-driven marketplace for gently used trail running gear.

Whether you are looking to declutter your gear closet, find affordable equipment, or just love a good underdog story, this episode explores the intersection of sustainability, mental health, and the outdoor community.

https://take2trail.com/

In this episode, Coach Brian and Mandy Mullen engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ron Aladeniyi, an ultra runner who shares his journey to the Leadville 100. They discuss the importance of community, gratitude, and personal growth in the world of ultra running. Ron reflects on his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the joy he finds in the journey rather than just the destination. The conversation highlights the beauty of vulnerability and connection among runners, as well as the role of fear in personal growth. Ron's aspirations for the future and his desire to inspire others through his journey are also explored.

Find Ron Here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/7DgvAuEcipvm70LWIERWmd

In this conversation, Cameron Pearson shares his journey from triathlons to ultra running, highlighting the importance of community, mental strength, and preparation in endurance sports. He discusses his experiences at various races, including Moab and Tahoe, and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the running community through volunteering. Cameron also reflects on his training strategies, family support, and future goals in the ultra running world.

Join us for an incredibly candid and inspiring conversation with Deborah Anderson, a competitive ultra athlete who just secured a phenomenal third-place female overall finish at the grueling Moab 240!

Deborah shares the complete story of her radical transition from a non-runner to an elite endurance competitor, starting at the age of 35. She dives deep into the high-stakes world of ultra running, discussing the intense training adjustments—including a new focus on strength training—she made in the lead-up to Moab.

In this powerful episode, Deborah opens up about the immense mental resilience required for a 240-mile race, revealing the significant weather challenges she navigated and the moment she realized she could truly "push that last little bit" to claim the podium. She also honestly reflects on a prior DNF experience and a frightening in-race grand mal seizure that led to a medical discovery (a PFO murmur) and reinforced her drive.

Discover the crucial role of community support in her journey and how her experiences continue to fuel her desire to explore her physical limits in future races. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in personal growth, overcoming challenges, and mastering the mental game of endurance sports.

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through.

He highlights the critical role of a support crew, the continuous struggle of nutrition and sleep management during long efforts, and the importance of efficiency at aid stations. Kilian reflects on the inseparable relationship between success and failure in the sport, emphasizing that all limits are arbitrary and encouraging listeners to embrace the journey. He closes with a look toward his exciting future aspirations, including pursuing FKTs (Fastest Known Times) and the deep value of the community in ultra running.

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause.

Dan takes us on a journey from the race’s simple, chaotic origins to its current status as a Denver running community favorite. We dive into the hilarious (and surprisingly strict) rules of the race, the growth of its popularity, and the amazing organization that benefits: Achilles International and its Denver chapter. Prepare for a story filled with ultra-running challenges, personal growth, and, of course, a lot of tacos!

Ultra runner Kilian Korth is back for his second appearance on the show (he was last on Ep 74!) to dive deep into the world of extreme endurance. In this episode, Kilian shares candidly about his recent experience at the Moab race, discussing the unexpected challenges he faced, including tough weather conditions and the necessary mental strategies for pushing through.

He highlights the critical role of a support crew, the continuous struggle of nutrition and sleep management during long efforts, and the importance of efficiency at aid stations. Kilian reflects on the inseparable relationship between success and failure in the sport, emphasizing that all limits are arbitrary and encouraging listeners to embrace the journey. He closes with a look toward his exciting future aspirations, including pursuing FKTs (Fastest Known Times) and the deep value of the community in ultra running.

Get ready for an episode that's part hilarious ultra-running chat, part inspiring community spotlight! Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian sit down with Dan Zolnikov, one of the masterminds behind the now-legendary Taco Bell 50K. What started as a whimsical, slightly absurd challenge among friends has blossomed into an annual grassroots event that raises significant funds for a truly special cause.

Dan takes us on a journey from the race’s simple, chaotic origins to its current status as a Denver running community favorite. We dive into the hilarious (and surprisingly strict) rules of the race, the growth of its popularity, and the amazing organization that benefits: Achilles International and its Denver chapter. Prepare for a story filled with ultra-running challenges, personal growth, and, of course, a lot of tacos!

Buckle Up: An Ultra Running Conversation – Exploring the Ultra Running Community

Hosts Mandy Mullen and Coach Brian are flying solo this week to unpack their latest deep dives into the world of endurance sports. Get ready for an episode full of insights and stories from the heart of the ultra running community!

Join us as we recap key takeaways from the US Trail Running Conference, focusing on the crucial discussions around partnerships, sponsorships, and the ongoing movement for greater inclusion and diversity in the sport.

We share our personal experiences at the grueling Moab 240, detailing the unique perspectives gained from pacing and the incredible community spirit on display. We'll even touch on Killian Korth's triple crown record-shattering performance and the ultimate test of camaraderie and grit that is Big's Backyard Ultra.

Also on the docket: the essential role of training plans and coaching for improved performance, the ever-evolving landscape of ultra running gear, and a powerful discussion of the documentary '1000 Miles to Sobriety,' highlighting the profound connection between ultra running and the journey to sobriety. Plus, hear our take on the high-stakes world of the Hard Rock Lottery registration.

Whether you're training for your next big race, curious about the endurance world, or looking for inspiration, this episode highlights the passion, community, and personal challenge that defines ultra running.

In this engaging conversation, Mark Vega shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering motorcycle accident and two strokes to becoming a passionate ultra runner. He discusses the transformative power of running, the importance of community support, and his emotional experiences during his first marathon. Mark emphasizes that it's never too late to pursue one's passions, especially for those over 60. He also shares his love for adventure motorcycling and caring for snakes, highlighting the joys of life beyond running. The podcast aims to inspire older athletes to continue challenging themselves and embracing life.