Today, we are joined by RDs Forrest Parsons and Charles Steele to discuss their backyard style ultra, the Pulmonary Vein Stenosis 4 Mile EHOH race. Charles talks about his direct connection to the rare, serious condition, and the pair comment on putting on their first race, getting into running, and how they decided that a backyard race was the right race for this!

To learn about their race, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pulmonaryveinstenosis4mileehoh

To sign up for the race, head over to https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=MTYxNzMwNTEzNjg2MTOCGFIK7mFobKbz

You can also donate directly to the organization, which is looking to gift money to the Boston Children's Hospital, one of the leading institutions for PVS.

Learn more about PVS: https://www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/programs/o-_-z/pulmonary-vein-stenosis-program

The Michaels welcome on friend of the podcast and newly minted trail runner, Nicki Mullan!

Nicki ran the 15.6 mile Earth Day race a few weeks back -- not only was it her first trail race, it was her first race of any kind, and the longest she has EVER ran!

In true Nicki fashion, she kicked ass.

Hear about her approach to the trail world and racing, accomplishing a task that seemed crazy not too long ago, and above all - enjoying her time on the trail.

The Michaels RAN together, IN PERSON! At the Earth Day 50k trail race. You'll hear all about it on this episode -- a race recap, including some highs, lows, what food we ate (obviously), thoughts on the trail, and many more.

We also discuss getting ready for the upcoming Des Moines 70.3 Triathlon. Quick spoiler: not feelin' great!

Today, the Michaels recap Olsdog's 50k from a few weeks back, talk about Des Linden's INSANE 50k world record (sub 3 hour 50k!!!), and get ready for their upcoming race at Veteran's Acres park, the Earth Day 50k!

Episode 81 brings two crew members onto the pod! Josefina Lopez and Hilary Stanfa join the Michaels and talk about learning to crew, getting a crew plan together, picking in their runners when they're down low, highs, lows, and much more! Some great insight from some race and pre-race experienced crew members and friends of the pod.

The Bleadorns completed their first official Ultra last weekend down in Ottowa, Kansas; and we're hear to break it down!

-pre race mentality and prep

-mid race highs and lows

-that feeling of accomplishment

-as always; food

What's next for Nate and Alex??

The Michaels recap Stanfa's 50ks of convenience, from his experience toe-ing the start line for the first time since 2019, to safely running during covid, to essential foods and how the race went in general!

They also talk about Olsdog's upcoming 50k, and reveal some information about an upcoming race mid-April!

On episode 78, the Michaels talk about Stanfa's upcoming 50ks of Convenience run, getting mentally and physically ready for race day, all the necessary (and unnecessary) food items you pack for race day.

We also dabble in some college basketball talk, as the Drake Bulldogs are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008!

Matt Millard, recurring guest and friend of the pod, joins the Michaels to talk his latest projet, RAN DSM.

The first person to complete the task, we talk ups, down, run-ins (literally) with police, and learn what's next!

Check out Matt's CityStrides for Des Moines:

https://citystrides.com/users/11576/cities/10455

The Michaels are back and so is the weather. Spring time is here, which means long runs are on the horizon. We talk getting ready for races, future summer plans, and have a few non-running related topics (nothing new, here).