I have learned to expect the unexpected with the amazing people I get to know during these podcasts, and Raven Johnson was no different. Raven had just finished the Hellbender 100 the weekend before we recorded, and not only did she finish, but she finished 3rd female overall! Of course, I wanted to hear every detail of this journey, as I also knew that this was also her first time running the 100 mile distance. When you run ultras, it is extremely helpful to have a 'why' while you are out there...especially in the lows. You can focus in on that 'why' to help you pull through, help you get back on your feet and finish the race. What I did not expect was hearing the depth behind Raven's 'why', and I was amazed by her journey. Raven, thank you for opening up and sharing your story with me. Thank you for your vulnerability, which shows the world your undeniable strength. You are beautiful inside and out, and I feel completely honored to know a piece of your heart. Thank you.

If you want to follow or reach out to Raven, here are some ways...

Raven's Instagram: @ravenrunswild

Raven's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/56373121

Thank you so much for listening! Please share with your family and friends. Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert

Miriam Salloum is the owner of The Runner's Mechanic-a unique running analysis and physical therapy clinic in Asheville, NC. I was looking forward to sitting down with her as our paths have crossed so many times, but we have never had a chance to have a true conversation. I wanted to get to know the person that she is, how she found her love for running, and what inspired her to choose physical therapy as her career path-specifically runners being her main focus. I knew Miriam was smart, but man, she is REALLY smart. Her passion and knowledge are so evident as she speaks, and I was fascinated. We were also able to get into her experience with ultra running, running injuries, how she works with her clients, her time working with Olympic athletes and so much more. The more we talked, the more she exuded gratitude. Gratitude for what she gets to do everyday as she helps other athletes, but also her gratitude for the ability to run. As you will hear, there were times when she thought she would never be able to run again. Now, everyday, every run, and every race she is simply grateful. I wish we could all have that perspective. Thank you, Miriam.

The Runner's Mechanic website: https://www.therunnersmechanic.com

The Runner's Mechanic Instagram: @runnersmechanic_PT

The Runner's Mechanic YouTube

Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvert

Thank you so much for listening!

It's finally out! Brandon Thrower and Carrie Baris (co-race directors) sat down with me to go through all of the details of the new course for the Hellbender 100 coming up on May 9-10, 2025. After Hurricane Helene, so many of our beautiful trails were destroyed by falling trees and landslides. Through the hard work of so many, trails have been opening up, but it is going be quite a while before we can access Mt. Mitchell and many parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. BUT, thankfully Hellbender can still happen, and Brandon and Carrie have worked so hard and giving everyone the best course possible for not only the runners, but their crew. Listen as they describe the course in detail, required gear, aid stations, crew and pacer information, and more. Thank you to all involved in bringing this race to fruition . It is going to be an epic weekend for all!

Hellbender 100: https://www.hellbender100.com

NC Mountain Trail Runners: https://ncmtr.org

Camp Grier: https://www.campgrier.org

G5 Trail Collective: https://www.g5trailcollective.org

Tanawha Adventures: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com

Hellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/

Hellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/

Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!

I really don't like talking...that is why I ask the questions! BUT, on this episode it is just me rambling about my experience at the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 50M this past Saturday, March 22nd. First of all, the weather was absolutely perfect...chilly in the morning and rising to around 68 or so in the afternoon. Clear, sunny and beautiful. I know Brandon (race director) was so happy to finally get a forecast like this for a race! I tried to go into this race with zero expectations and simply enjoy the day (and pain...). This was also my birthday run, as I had turned 47 just the day before, so that made this one super special to me. Listen as I describe as many details as possible for you about my journey through the mountains. Ultimately, I ended up 3rd lady and 12th overall, and I could not have been happier with the result. This race was definitely challenging and the legs were hurting, but the views, aid stations, friends and family lifted my spirits...all that I would want for a day in the woods. Congratulations to all who tackled the 55K or the 50M and survived. I am honored to share the trails with you. Thank you for listening!

Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreaker

Facing Vert Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Now this was a fun interview...two friends that met through running, now crew one another, race together and train together when they can. Both Tim Nooney and Miller Groome decided to run the Black Canyon 100k this past February, and I wanted to hear from both of them about their journey through this race. It was so great to hear that they were able to share several of the miles together on the trails of Arizona, while also entertaining all around them with their banter. :) But, as the day unfolded their race took very different turns. We talk training, gear, every detail of race day, problem solving, lessons learned, and more. Congratulations to Tim for taking 16th male in an incredibly tough field. Thank you, Tim and Miller for your awesomeness. You guys are the best.

I hope you enjoy!

Black Canyon Ultras: https://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/

Tim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timnooney/

Miller's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millergroome/

Tim's Sponsors: La Sportiva , Precision Nutrition

Want to check out past episodes with these guys? Listen to Episode 014, 018 and 034!

Thank you for listening!

It is here! Brandon Thrower, of Tanawha Adventures, discusses the NEW course for the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50M & 55k with me on this episode. Listen as Brandon walks us through the turns, the terrain, aid stations, crew and more for this upcoming race. Although the race will not be able to go to Mt. Mitchell this year due to damage from Helene, that doesn't mean this course is not going to be epic. If you know Brandon and his races, you know he will make sure you have an incredible experience with stunning views. Can't wait to see you all out there!

Tanawha Adventures' website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreaker

Tanawha Adventures' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!

"If you don't have the confidence, you have to have the courage"--Teresa Bowser

I absolutely loved when Teresa said this as we discussed why she signed up for the Fierce Dragon Firestarter 100. Already an extremely difficult race (that very few want to even attempt), the crazy weather took the difficultly to another level. This race started in snow, turned into slush, back to ice and THEN came the pouring rain. It takes a special person to even start this race in ideal conditions, but if you know Teresa, you know she has the fight and the grit to give it absolutely everything she has. And this is what she did, and STILL had a blast. Listen to hear the details of her experience and ultimately why she had to walk away...not defeated, but even more ready for what comes next. As she would say, "no coulda woulda shouldas' for her. Teresa, I LOVE your joy.

...

If you haven't listened to the first episode I recorded with Teresa, I would highly recommend that you do. You will love her even more. Episode 046: Releasing The Burden-Teresa Bowser

Fierce Dragon's website: https://www.h9fiercedragon.com

Teresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresabowserfitness/

Teresa's coach, Aaron Saft: https://www.runningislife.run

Teresa's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/38746695

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

I would love to hear from you! Thank you for listening!

Andrew Hall signed up for the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival's 24-hour race with a short window to train and only a 50K under his belt. Andrew's own hometown of Burnsville was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and he saw first hand the generosity of others to offer their resources to help. So when he saw the opportunity to also help Old Fort, he jumped in head first. Andrew and his friend, Jake, signed up together, and the training began. Hear about his adventure, the lessons learned, how he battled the lows and pushed his mind to the limits. Andrew was so easy to talk to, and I learned so much about his past adventures, how he was a major conduit for his community of Burnsville after the hurricane, and so much more. Interviewing Andrew also gave me the opportunity to recap my 12-hour adventure out at Old Fort, so listen up if you want to hear my experience! Thank you, Andrew, for your humor, your love and tender heart for others, and for shining your light so so bright. You and Sidney are such wonderful people.

Andrew's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/17100912

Andrew's Instagram: @andrewhall15

Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvert

Thank you so much for listening!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I truly hope that you had a wonderful Christmas season and are getting off to an amazing start in 2025. To kick off this new year, we have a new race to talk about with Brandon Thrower, race director and owner of Tanawha Adventures. The Hanging Rock Challenge 50K & Half will be taking place on January 11, 2025, and this race course sounds stunning. Hanging Rock State Park holds a special place in Brandon's heart, and you will hear why. Here is a snippet from the race website about this challenge:

Experience the beauty, challenge, and thrill of HAROC (Hanging Rock Challenge), a race that showcases the rugged majesty of Hanging Rock State Park. Whether you're taking on the 50K ultra or the Half Marathon, this race is your gateway to some of North Carolina's most stunning terrain—massive boulders, sweeping vistas, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and trails that will push your limits and reward your spirit.

​ As always, Brandon and I discuss all the details of the race including a description of the routes for both races, aid stations, crew and spectators and more.

We also touch on some upcoming Tanawha races and a brief recap of the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival. Hope you enjoy!

Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/haroc

Tanawha Adventures Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Hanging Rock State Park:

https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-park

Facing Vert's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Message me with comments or questions through Facing Vert's Instagram. I would love to hear from you! Thank you for listening and sharing with your friends!

I met Katti Jackson at The Naturalist, where she took 2nd female overall. Since then, I have seen her dominate in the ultras she has faced since that time. Katti didn't even start running ultras until 2022 with Table Rock, and in 2023 she won the Heartbreaker 55k, then won the Heartbreaker 50 miler the next year. So, like anyone else would do (ha!), she wanted to try her hand at the 100 mile distance. She chose Grindstone 100 for her first attempt, and not only did she finish, but she finished first overall! Now that is a good result for your first 100! Of course, in our conversation, she walks me through the details of her experience at Grindstone which I completely soaked up. We also spoke of her past...how she started running, some of the struggles she faced along the way, discovering the trails, and ultimately why she tried the ultra distance. It was so awesome getting know her and hearing her story. I am excited to see how far she can fly, especially at UTMB next year. I am a big fan, Katti. Thank you for coming on the podcast and sharing your heart and your love for running (and running so fast).

Katti's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/34931030

Katti's Instagram: http://instagram.com/katti_jackson

Grindstone 100's website: https://grindstone.utmb.world

Facing Vert's Instagram: http://instagram.com/facingvert

Thank you for listening!