FACING VERT

By Tara JordanSports Running

FACING VERT episodes

July 19, 2024 051: Overcoming Injury & The Mozart 100-Tory Grieves
Tory Grieves, along with Sara Molskness, were on the podcast over a year ago to talk about their battle with injuries and the difficulty of simply not being able to do what the love. Tory had torn her plantar fascia, and it had taken her around a year to really start trying to run again. Then, right before we were going to record, she had re-torn her plantar fascia and was devastated. Now, a year after that podcast, she is back on again to talk about all the steps she took to tackle her injury, learning how to trust the process, and signing up to run The Mozart 100 (in Austria!) before she knew if it was even possible. I love her grit. I love how determined she is and how she never gave up when treatments didn't work. Tory just researched other alternatives to try and recover. We also talk about her experience at the Mozart 100 by UTMB, the horrendous conditions and ultimately her choice to cut her race short. Tory will tell you she doesn't have the fairytale story, but she savors every minute that she is able to run, and her mind has been strengthened through this entire process. This, to me, is a beautiful story, and I am so happy that she shared it with me.

Want to listen to Tory and Sara's episode? Click on this link or simply look up Episode 009: When You Can No Longer Run-Tory Grieves and Sara Molskness

Reach out to Tory on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/11923183308
Tory's Coach: Patrick McGlade, [email protected]
Tory's Physical Therapist: Dan Carmack, [email protected]

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram and message me there: @facingvert
I would love to hear from you! Thank you so much for listening.

1 hr 25 min
June 21, 2024 050: Pushing To The Edge-Nathan Frantz
Nathan Frantz has such an adventurous spirit, who loves to push the limits and seek the extreme. As a young boy Nathan found a love of the outdoors and this never grew dim...whether it was by BMX, cliff jumping, whitewater rafting, Spartan races or ultra running. Nathan is so easy to talk to, so humble, and he loves fiercely. We discuss his recent experience at Hellbender 100, his Palmetto trail FKT, his incredible pacing skills for Aaron Saft's Grand Slam last summer, and so so much more. I so enjoyed our conversation, and I look forward to his redemption story at Hellbender 2025. Thank you, Nathan. What an amazing guy you are.

Nathan's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nate_ocr_85/
Nathan's Strava https://www.strava.com/athletes/8150029
Nathan's Coach, Aaron Saft: https://www.runningislife.run

Reach out to me through Facing Vert's Instagram, @facingvert. Thank you, thank you for listening!!

2 hr 6 min
June 07, 2024 049: Try To Do Things That Are Impossible-Marcus Welker
When Marcus sat down with me, I did not know a thing about him except that he was really fast and super strong. I first saw his name come up when he won the Looking Glass 100k this past fall, and then he showed up so strong at the Hellbender 100...taking 3rd overall with a sub-24 hour finish. He had me curious for sure, and I was very excited to meet him and hear his story. I was BLOWN away! Marcus has had a whirlwind of adventure, so much accomplished, in such a short time. This guy has completed the Triple Crown...the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The list of people that have grappled this and conquered this can't be too large, and I am proud to know someone that has. Marcus strives to do what seems impossible, and I love that. This is where he learns about himself and where he grows as a person. Makes for quite the adventurous and fulfilling life, I must say.
Marcus, what a pleasure it was to meet you. Sometimes you meet people that make you feel as if you have known them your whole life...you are one of those. An instant friend. Thank you for letting me have a glimpse into your amazing life. I can't wait to have you on again to learn more.
Marcus's Business: Adventure Grown Guides
Marcus's Instagram
Marcus's Strava
Following Facing Vert on Instagram and message me there. Thank you for listening!!
1 hr 50 min
May 30, 2024 048: Ridge To Rails 50k, Half Marathon & 10k-Brandon Thrower
Bonus Episode! Ridge to Rails 50k, Half Marathon and 10k are THIS weekend, so Brandon Thrower (with Tanawha Adventures) and I sat down to talk about each race. If you are running this race this Saturday, or thinking about participating in the future, you will want to listen. Brandon walks through every turn, terrain and views found on each course, plus giving other valuable information about the races for the participants crew and spectactors. I hope you enjoy! The races all take place in the areas surrounding the beautiful and quaint town of Old Fort, NC. For more information on this race, visit https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/ridgetorails! I look forward to hearing how everyone's' adventure goes! Have fun out there...

Tanawha Adventures Instagram
Tanawha Adventures Website
Facing Vert's Instagram
1 hr 17 min
May 23, 2024 047: Sharing Miles On Feet & On Horseback-Carrie Baris
So much to say about Carrie Baris, the co-race director of the Hellbender 100. Yes, she is an ultra runner, but she is also very successful in the equestrian sports of endurance riding and ride & tie. I was absolutely fascinated to dig into both of these equestrian sports to find out how they operate and how they correlate to endurance running. One thing I learned is that I HAVE to try ride & tie...combining both running and riding a horse. Sounds like an absolute dream to me! Carrie is also the queen of National Parks...with a goal to visit every single park out there to honor her late husband and their adventures together. Such an epic goal, and she is well on her way to checking them all off the list. Carrie is also completely selfless. She puts others, animals, and family above herself...always looking out for their needs and desires first, and this is so evident when you get into a conversation with her. Yes, I wanted her to talk about her races and accomplishments, but she really lit up when she talked about her sister, her horse, her puppy and her fiancé. What a beautiful soul she is.
Carrie, I hope you realize how special you are and how much you mean to this community of runners. You have given so much of your time, energy and love to see others succeed, and this does not go unnoticed. Thank you, from all of us.
Carrie's Instagram
Hellbender 100
Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert
Message me there! I would love to hear from you. Thank you so much for listening and sharing!
1 hr 47 min
May 10, 2024 046: Releasing The Burden-Teresa Bowser
Teresa Bowser is an incredible trail runner, ultra runner, crew, pacer and friend to all. Teresa began her trail running journey around 2019 and has now conquered some of the most difficult ultras around...the Hellbender 100, Cloudsplitter 100, Stillwater Ultras, and recently the Georgia Death Race to name a few. Teresa is also a beautiful, young lady with the biggest and brightest smile. You can't help but feel joy when you are in her presence, and she doesn't even seem to realize it. But hiding behind that smile is so much pain, an imposter she would say....a young woman carrying a burden that no one can see.
Little did I know, I asked Teresa to come on the podcast at the perfect time. Teresa had just recently finished the Georgia Death Race, a 74-mile killer of a race with 16000 feet of climbing and 16000 of descent. Throughout the duration of the race, you are required to carry a 1lb railroad spike, and upon completion you throw this nail into a coffin. Pretty epic. Teresa told me that her why started to change as her race began to unravel, and the spike she had to carry took on a meaning that she did not even expect. So, on this podcast, Teresa shares the burden that she began to release that day, that she threw in the coffin, and I am touched that she chose to share with me and all those that listen to this podcast.
I am overwhelmed, truly, that Teresa and so many others would open up to me and share some of their deepest hurts but also their greatest joys. We all have a story...runner or not. We are all on this journey together...FACING VERT of all kinds...side by side. We are all God's creation...masterpieces in His eyes. Know you are worthy, loved, and created for a purpose.
Teresa, I love you, and I loved seeing the sense of freedom that came over you as you shared your story. Keep fighting.

Want to reach out to Teresa? Her Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/teresabowserfitness/

Teresa's Strava

Teresa's Coach is Aaron Saft with Running is Life. His website is https://www.runningislife.run

I would love to hear from you or answer any questions you may have! Find Facing Vert on Instagram, and message me there!

1 hr 40 min
May 04, 2024 045: Hellbender 100-Brandon Thrower
Bonus Episode! For this episode I sat down with co-race director and course developer, Brandon Thrower (Tanawha Adventures), to talk all things Hellbender! According the the Hellbender 100 website:
The Hellbender One Hundred is one of the most scenic hundred milers on the East Coast. This course will take you through a grueling tour of the massive Black Mountains, deep into the valleys below and to the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain East of the Mississippi. With an elevation change of ~48,000+ ft, runners will experience some of the most challenging and beautiful trails in all of Western North Carolina. You'll not want to miss this premiere, graduate level hundred through the heart of Southern Appalachia!
Brandon and I talk about required gear, crew rules, aid stations, pacers, a FULL course description and more! And a big congratulations to all involved in making this race happen because the Hellbender 100 is now a Hardrock qualifier! This is HUGE news for all that are running this year and for years to come. Thank you to the Run 828 foundations, NCMTR, volunteers and sponsors for all their hard work and dedication to make this such an amazing experience for all. Thank you, Brandon, for taking the time to sit down with me!

Hellbender 100 website
Run 828 Foundation
NCMTR
Hellbender's Instagram
Tanawha Adventures Instagram

If you want to watch my Hellbender 100 experience on YouTube, click here!
Follow Facing Vert on Instagram and message me there. Thank you for listening!
1 hr 38 min
April 26, 2024 044: MST 100 1st Overall Female-Ally Carlton
**Warning: sensitive material is discussed in this podcast**
Ally Carlton was recently on the podcast after she grabbed the FKT both North and Southbound on the Art Loeb Trail within three weeks of each other. Pretty astounding to say the least. And then, in March, Ally crossed the finish line of the MST 100 as the female winner and third overall, despite the horrible weather conditions. But, this episode contains so much more than a race recap of her grind through this race. This episode is raw and real. Ally mentioned in our first episode together that she experienced trauma as a teenager but did not elaborate. But on this episode she was ready to talk about her experience for the first time in a public setting. Yes, her accomplishments are impressive, but her bravery to share, to hopefully help others, is so much more impressive. I am so proud of you, Ally. Your strength, your bravery, your heart to help others, your honesty and your authenticity is beautiful. You are beautiful. Thank you.

Ally wants you to reach out to her if need to talk to someone. You can find her on Strava, and message her through this platform. Click here: Ally's Strava

I have no affiliation with this website, but according to RAINN.org, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. If you need help, they ask that you call 800.656.HOPE (4673).

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram, @facingvert. As always, thank you for listening and sharing with others.

1 hr 23 min
April 06, 2024 043: 7 Sisters 25K-Brandon Thrower
We are putting this episode out early because 7 Sisters is right around the corner!
On this episode I sat down with Brandon Thrower, of Tanawha Adventures, to get all the details on his upcoming 7 Sisters 25K. According to the Tanawha Adventures website, "The Seven Sisters 25k is a monstrous mountain of a run around the East and West ridges of the Montreat Wilderness! The route passes over multiple peaks and overlooks including; Lookout Rocks, Rocky Head, Graybeard, Rattlesnake Rocks, and of course the Seven Sisters themselves along the treacherous West Ridge Trail."
This is a sold out race, and will be held on April 13th, 2024 at 9:00 AM. Brandon goes through every inch of the course, plus other details that every participate and fan will want to know. If you are even thinking of running this race in the future, his description of the course will definitely convince you!

Tanawha Adventures Website
Tanawha Adventures Instagram

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram and message me there! Thank you so much for listening!
1 hr 6 min
March 29, 2024 042: Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K-Me, Myself and I
On this episode, you will hear about my experience running the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K that took place on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Somehow I came in first lady and 11th overall with a time of 6:59:59...right under that 7 hours! Turned out to be a beautiful day of running with unexpected views, new friends, and lots of grumbling about gravel roads. :) Needless to say, it was an amazing day to be out on the trails. Thank you to Brandon Thrower, with Tanawha Adventures, for putting on this event. Also thank you to the sponsors for the sick awards...beautifully handcrafted logo wood carving by Jonathan Ibach, a handmade medal by Hannah Thrower, a free pair of shoes from La Sportiva, gift card from Mountain Running Company, and some delicious coffee from Victoire Coffee Company. Wow! Also thank you to Kim Greene for crewing me at Neal's Creek, to my family for cheering me to the finish, to all the volunteers for your encouragement and service, and to all the athletes that were out there grinding like me. A special thank you to the fierce and strong ladies that pushed me to run my best, especially Becca Morris and Becca Johnson (2nd and 3rd female). You are beasts, and it was an honor to race with you. Congratulations to all who ran both the 55K and the 50 miler. So proud of every single one of you! Sorry it is just my voice on this one, but I hope you enjoy!
Tanawha Adventures
La Sportiva
Mountain Running Company
Jonathan Ibach (woodworks)
Message me via Instagram, @facingvert, or email me at [email protected].
My gear: Nike Wildhorse Trail Shoes, Black Diamond Poles, Salomon 12 pack
Nutrition: Untapped Maple, Gu Liquid Energy, Gu Roctane, Probar Chews, Cliffs Bloks

Thank you for listening!

42 min

About FACING VERT

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Facing Vert...both on trails and in life. So, what is vert? For all of those in the trail running community, it is short for Vertical Elevation Gain. Basically, it is climbing a mountain,…