FACING VERT

Three friends decided to jump into the ultra running world, and take on the challenge of the Ridge To Rails 50k (by Tanawha Adventures). Three different reasons for registering, three different training 'plans', and three different stories of what happened out on the trails at Ridge To Rails...all discussed in one conversation. These guys are also my friends, and I am so proud of each one of them for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking on this incredible feat. I knew this podcast would be fun, full of energy, but so meaningful at the same time. Also, shout out to Evan...the 4th friend who did the race (you will definitely hear his name mentioned), but he is not a newbie to ultra running. Actually Evan just two weeks prior to Ridge to Rails ran the Quest for the Crest! Ouch! So congratulations, Evan, on both! Thank you, Jack, Eli and Sullivan for sitting down with me, making me laugh, and sharing your adventure. On to the next one. ;)

Sullivan's Instagram: @sullivanbrady

Eli's Instagram: @eli_lanter

Jack's Instagram: @mrjackkitching

**also hear Jack's incredible story on a podcast I did with him: Episode 008: From Rage to Redemption

Thank you, as always, for listening! Connect with me on Instagram @facingvert!

Drew Antonisse is so much more than this title. Yes, he won Hellbender...many races actually, and I wanted to hear all about it, BUT getting to know him and his journey was the highlight. I was really in awe of Drew's love for the outdoors and his love for people. He has immersed himself in the natural beauty around him...with his studies, his work and his play. Drew is intentional and spontaneous in one, which makes him even more special. His connection to others is also admirable. He makes friends literally everywhere he goes and at every race, and this has created a community for him in all corners of our great country. Drew Antonisse embodies the spirit of ultra running in every aspect. As he said to me, " Don't hesitate...just get out there and eventually you will see parallels between running and your life. Thank you, Drew, for coming on the podcast!!

Drew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drew.antonisse

Drew's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/29438779

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

What a fun time I had getting to know Devon Brodmyer! A bright young man, just tapping in to the ultra realm, and already finding so much success. A big take away for me through our conversation was the importance of surrounding yourself with those that will encourage you, motivate you, and see more in you than you can see in yourself. His mindset was to learn from those with experience instead of trying to tackle something new on your own. Devon has been running since a very young age and continued running at Brevard College. Through inspiration from his college coach (Jordan Tager), and by soaking in all the knowledge he could from the experience of his friends (Randy Elliott and Sheridan Byers to name a few), Devon love for running reignited out on the trails. After crushing his first ultra at Ridge To Rails last year (where he came in 4th), Devon has been on the podium in every single race since. Most recently, he was 1st overall at the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 miler. Devon Brodmyer is just getting started.

Devon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/57274732

Devon's Instagram: @devonbrodmyer

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

Brandon Thrower and I sat down via FaceTime to talk about the Ridge to Rails races coming up on June 6th. There is a 50k, Half Marathon and 10k. As of the recording, there were still some spots available, so sign up quickly! Brandon and I had recorded a podcast about this race a few years ago, but there have been quite a few changes to the courses. We are so fortunate for all the new trails that have opened and the access we have to them for races such as these. If you are running in any of these races, you will want to listen. Brandon talks thoroughly about each course, including aid station and crew information. Lots of pertinent information for you to hear! Enjoy, and I will be praying for good weather and good times to all those running out there!

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

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

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Alan Needle not only about his running adventures, but the research he is conducting at races put on by Tanawha Adventures and Dirty Wolf. Alan and his team are conducting a survey-based research study that is aiming to better understand what changes risks of falling and other injuries while you're running. So, if you are running the Kettlefoot, Ridge to Rails, Black Copperhead Sting, HAROC or Beast of the East you need to sign up to be part of this study! More races could be added, so stay tuned by following Injury Lab's instagram @injurylabappstate or checking out their website: https://phes.appstate.edu/laboratories/injury-laboratory. There are incentives offered for being part of these studies, so you don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Listen as Alan describes the research he is doing, plus what led to his specific interest in studying those that trail run. I was fascinated by his discoveries so far that have been published, and I am definitely going to stay tuned to the results of this research. Enjoy!

To fill out the participation form, click on the link here

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert

Brandon Thrower sat down with me via FaceTime to talk through the newly revealed Hellbender course for 2026. Hurricane Helene did a number on our trails here in Western NC, and so many of the trails used in the original Hellbender course are still being repaired or redirected. So this year's course is known as The Helenebender 2! Listen as Brandon talks through the new course, the aid stations, crew information and more. If you are running this race, crewing, volunteering or considering this race in the future please listen and share with others. I will personally be praying for all of you...for endurance, power, energy, safety and overall joy out there on the course! Our mountains are beautiful...enjoy! Thank you to the Run 828 Foundation for all you do to put on this race, and to the sponsors who help make it happen!

Run 828 Foundation: https://www.run828foundation.org

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

Thank you for listening! Follow on Instagram: @facingvert

This podcast is a wee bit different this time. I was recently asked to join Sullivan Brady on the stage at Youth Culture at Brookstone Church. Sullivan had been teaching through a series called RUN, and for the final night he wanted the students to hear from a crazy ultra runner (me) that truly knows what it is like to live out ENDURANCE on the trails. What an honor it was to be asked to be a part! It's not often that I am the one answering questions, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent talking about my experiences and how my faith impacts my ultra running journey. Fortunately, the interview was recorded, and so I hope you enjoy!

Michael Ferguson is a senior in high school, and was already committed to Furman University before his senior year even began. Already, as a senior, he is the state champion in 5A Cross Country, the 1600 indoor track state champion and the 3200 indoor track state champion. Pretty incredible accomplishments, and he really didn't get serious about running until high school. I loved hearing how he approaches races, controls his nerves and handles the pressure. Michael wants to be the best, but understands the work this requires. I can't wait to see him continue to grow and improve at Furman! Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to sit down with me.

In this episode, I sat down via FaceTime with Brandon Thrower to talk about Tanawha Adventure's new race...the Catawba Falls 15K! You can hear Brandon's love for Catawba Falls as he describes every detail of the course from start to finish. If you are running this race or considering running it in the future, make sure you listen!

Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/catawbafalls15k

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

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

Two FKTs (fastest known time) from two different people, on two different routes, for different 'whys', but with the support of one another they accomplished great things. Teresa Bowser came up with her own 100+ miler called Project Untamed, and now the holds the FKT. When you come up with your own course, you would think you would make it as easy as possible, but not Teresa. My legs were burning just listening to her and Nathan describe the course! If you want to go for this FKT, just expect it to be BRUTAL but amazing all wrapped into one. This is everything Teresa loves on the trails she loves, and she wants YOU to go out and try it. For Nathan Frantz, his goal was to get the FKT for the yo yo of the Foothills Trail which calculates to over 150 miles. Nathan wanted to do this for his nephew, TJ, who has a rare form of leukodystrophy. As Nathan describes him..."He is the only child in the U.S. (with this form) and one of six in the entire world. And yet, if you met him, you'd never know the weight he carries. He is a light. Joy. Laughter. The kind of kid who reminds you what hope looks like". Nathan used his FKT attempt as a fundraiser for TJ, and the Go Fund Me link is still live: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tjs-fight-against-leukodystrophy

Teresa was Nathan's crew chief and helped him through all the highs and the lows. Nathan paced Teresa for SO many miles in the hardest sections when she was the most tired. They supported each other, they laughed together, they slept-ran together, and I am so happy I got to hear their journeys from both of their perspectives. Thank you, Nathan and Teresa, for coming on the podcast!

Teresa Bowser's Instagram:

Nathan Frantz's Instagram:

Teresa's Strava: @teresabowser_

Nathan's Strava: @steadypacenate

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

As always, thank you for listening!