In our last episode of 2024, Liz Myers shares her inspiring journey into ultra running, detailing her transition from strength training and off-roading to completing her first 200-mile race. She discusses the challenges of training, the emotional rollercoaster during the race, and the unique experiences of running across Florida. Liz emphasizes the importance of self-competition, the support of her crew, and the lessons learned from dealing with blisters and nutrition during long races. In this conversation, Liz Myers shares her experiences and insights from participating in ultra races, particularly her first 200-mile race. She discusses the challenges of sleep deprivation, the mental hurdles faced during long distances, and the unexpected realities of ultra running. Liz also delves into her journey into coaching and podcasting, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships in the sport. The conversation culminates in a heartwarming story of her proposal at the finish line, highlighting the personal motivations that drive ultra runners.

Stay tuned during the post show for a year end recap with Kevin, Peter and Gabe Peterson.

In this conversation, Chris Worden shares his journey from a casual runner to becoming a staple in ultra running media coverage. He discusses the evolution of race coverage, particularly for events like Cocodona 250, and the challenges of live streaming such extensive races. Chris emphasizes the importance of storytelling in ultra running, highlighting the diverse experiences of athletes, from elites to back-of-the-pack runners. He also addresses the ethical considerations of race coverage, the impact of technology like Starlink on broadcasting, and the differences in covering long races compared to shorter events. In this conversation, Chris Worden and Peter Noyes discuss the intricacies of race coverage in trail running, the growth of the sport, and the personal experiences that shape their perspectives. They explore the dynamics of covering races like Cocodona and Western States, the emotional moments that resonate with both commentators and viewers, and the future of trail running coverage. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of bringing these events to a wider audience while emphasizing the importance of supporting all athletes, not just the elites.

In this conversation, Kevin Russ shares his journey from being a landscape nature photographer to becoming an avid thru-hiker and ultra runner. He discusses the transition from long-distance hiking to ultra running, the mental resilience required for both activities, and the importance of sleep strategies in ultra running. Kevin also delves into how his passion for photography intertwines with his outdoor adventures, and he shares his excitement and concerns about participating in the Cocodona 250 race. In this conversation, Kevin Goldberg shares insights on preparing for ultra-endurance events, particularly focusing on nutrition, the mental challenges of solitude, and the introspective nature of long-distance running. He discusses the logistics of planning for both thru-hiking and ultra running, offering advice for newcomers to the sport. The conversation also touches on essential gear for hiking and running, as well as the importance of mental distractions during long stretches on the trail. Kevin reflects on his personal highs and lows from his experiences, emphasizing the growth and learning that come from these adventures.

In this episode, Simon Guérard shares his experiences and insights from participating in the challenging Tor des Geants, one of the most difficult endurance races in the world. He discusses his journey into ultra running, the importance of mental toughness, pacing strategies, and the unique challenges posed by the race's weather and terrain. Simon also delves into preparation techniques, the significance of sleep and nutrition during long races, and his future aspirations in the world of ultra running.

In this episode of Distance to Empty, Natasha Swartley shares her journey from military service to becoming a trail race medic. She discusses her experiences in ultra running, the challenges faced by athletes, and the importance of proper medical care in endurance races. Natasha highlights common medical issues such as nutrition and GI problems, blisters, and the psychological aspects of racing. She emphasizes the need for specialized medical support in ultra events and shares memorable moments where her interventions helped runners overcome obstacles and finish strong. In this conversation, Natasha Swartley shares her insights on the medical aspects of ultra running, focusing on injury management, the importance of hydration, and the mental challenges faced by runners. She emphasizes the need for preventative measures and mental resilience, while also drawing inspiration from the determination of ultra runners, particularly those who finish at the back of the pack. Natasha's personal journey and upcoming participation in her first 200-mile race highlight the transformative power of ultra running.

In this episode of Distance to Empty, Sarah shares her recent victory at the Moab 240 race, reflecting on her journey through ultra running, the challenges of training, and the importance of crew support. She compares her experiences at Moab and Cocodona, discussing the unique aspects of each race and how they shaped her approach to endurance racing. Sarah emphasizes the mental challenges faced during long races and the strategies she employed to overcome them, highlighting the significance of experience and preparation in achieving success. In this conversation, Sarah shares her experiences and insights from the Moab 240 race, discussing the challenges of the course, her nutrition strategies, sleep management, and the importance of mental resilience. She reflects on her future goals in ultra running and emphasizes the significance of recovery after such demanding events. Sarah also highlights the role of her crew and the support system in achieving her racing goals.

Welcome to our SPOOOKY episode!

In this episode, Kevin Hadfield shares his journey into ultra running, discussing his experiences with the Tour de Geants and Cocodona races and reflects on the challenges of long-distance running, including the phenomenon of hallucinations during races. Additionally, he connects his career in medical legal death investigation to his experiences in ultra running, exploring the psychological aspects of endurance sports. In this conversation, Kevin Hadfield shares his experiences as a coroner and endurance racer, discussing the emotional and psychological challenges he faces in both fields. He reflects on the objectivity required in death investigations, the surreal hallucinations experienced during long races, and the physical toll of altitude sickness. Kevin also delves into the mental struggles of endurance racing, including disassociation and the limits of human endurance, while contemplating future goals and the lessons learned from his experiences.

Here is the link to donate to John Kelly's, Hurricane Helene, GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bypass-bureaucracy-for-mountain-areas-affected-by-helene?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYrjar9Zm2MO0uZw9v0341pgw4jDG15hUHq7p2a5EpR0SR4Bn33QfouYRo_aem_5R7gjI2yJB3x3Tjzl_5cSA

In this episode, Kevin and Peter provide an in-depth preview of the Moab 240 ultra marathon, sharing their personal experiences and insights from the race. They discuss the course layout, key updates for the upcoming race, and detailed descriptions of each section, including challenges and strategies for success. The conversation also touches on the importance of pacing, nutrition, and mental preparation for such a grueling event. Listeners can expect valuable tips and anecdotes that will help them navigate the Moab 240 course effectively.

In this conversation, Arlen Glick shares his journey into ultra running, focusing on his experience at the Cocodona 250. He discusses the transition from shorter races to the 200-mile distance, the training adjustments he made, and the mental strategies he employed during the race. Arlen reflects on the challenges he faced, particularly during the second day, and emphasizes the importance of sleep and nutrition in endurance racing. He also shares insights on competition, his pacer's role, and his future plans in the sport.

In this episode, Cole Crosby shares his experience of winning the Cowboy 200, a uniquely challenging 200-mile race in Nebraska. He discusses the unique aspects of the race, his training regimen, and the mental fortitude required to push through the pain and exhaustion. Cole emphasizes the importance of hydration, crew support, and personal management during ultra races. He also compares the Cowboy 200 to other races like Cocodona, highlighting the differences in terrain and race dynamics. Throughout the conversation, Cole reflects on his journey in ultra running and offers advice for those looking to tackle their first 200-miler.