From surviving a stroke at 26 and a crushed foot at 45… to becoming a 17-time HURT 100 finisher and one of the toughest race directors in the Mid-Atlantic.

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘀, Veteran Ultramarathoner, Race Director, Stay-at-Home Dad turned Trail Running Legend, and Founder of Athletic Equation & WV Trail Fest.

Born into a family of refugees from the Greek and Armenian Genocides, Alex grew up as an expat kid in the Middle East.

He left home at 14 for boarding school, built a career in Chemical Engineering with the Marine Corps, then made one of the bravest pivots of all, becoming a full-time stay-at-home father in 2008.

𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴:

  • 17-time finisher of the brutal HURT 100 (one of the highest in the world)

  • Completed 60+ ultras worldwide, including Dragon’s Back Race, Hellbender 100, Mogollon Monster, and Manitou’s Revenge

  • Race Director of some of the toughest events in the East: OSS/CIA 50, Mount Tammany 10, and more

  • Dedicated mentor to Navy SEALs, veterans (Band of Runners), and young runners

In this inspiring conversation, Alex shares powerful lessons on resilience, identity, fatherhood, career pivots, and what true courage looks like when your body breaks down but your spirit refuses to quit.

If you’re navigating health challenges, life transitions, or chasing big dreams while raising a family, don't miss this episode.

#CourageTalks #UltraRunning #HURT100 #Resilience #TrailRunning #RaceDirector #NeverGiveUp #StayAtHomeDad #LeadershipThroughCourage