There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am for Heath Ballard and his family. Heath is my podcast producer/sound guru/editor, and Facing Vert would not exist without him and Evan Dykes. There are a few reasons I wanted to have Heath on, and I am so honored he was willing. He has been on his own fitness journey for the past year, taking the hardest step into becoming a healthier individual...the first step. Once crossing that line and having the accountability of friends, Heath has found a new love for working out, even running, and can feel the difference in his everyday life. But Heath's life changed dramatically when just this past Friday, September 1st, his mom stepped from this life into heaven. On August 1st, the doctor found 'spots', and a month later she was gone. Melanie Ballard was an incredible woman, with a spirit that lit the room when she entered, and she will be greatly, greatly missed. Hear Heath's heart as he speaks about all that has happened over this past month. I pray that this time simply talking was healing for him in some sort of way. Heath, thank you for being so courageous and vulnerable by sharing your story just days after you lost your mom. You are so loved by the Jordan family. I hope everyone will listen.

"Every time the cave gets darker, His light shines brighter."-Melanie Ballard

Heath will be running Shut-In Reverse sometime soon to raise money to help his dad during this very difficult time. Before Heath even knew his mom was terminal, he wanted to do a run in her honor...to do something so hard and seemingly impossible since his mom was going through something so hard. As soon as I have details, I will post them on Facing Vert's Instagram. Thank you.

Heath's Strava

Heath's Instagram

Thank you for listening. It means so much.

Tara

This week I had the privilege of sitting down with Brandon Thrower of Tanawha Adventures. Brandon's journey to becoming a race director of some of the most loved races in Western North Carolina, all stemmed from a joy he found for creating routes and adventuring with other like-minded folks. Brandon doesn't want to just put on a race, he wants to create an experience. His desire is to highlight not only the beauty of our area and all it has to offer, but to show off the complexity and uniqueness of the trails, and the adventuring spirit of those participating. Brandon's heart is to give back to those that care for the trails, and to inspire others to do the same. Hellbender 100, which is close to my heart, is one of those routes that he created. I am excited that he will be teaming up with Carrie to co-direct the Hellbender 100 in 2024. Thank you, Brandon, for all you have done for our running community and our forests. If you are looking for a race in Western North Carolina, check out his website, https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/. Hear about all of his races and a glimpse into future ones! Thank you, Brandon, for your time!

Races coming up this fall that still have some available spots:

Table Rock Ultras

Fonta Flora 50K and Half

Looking Glass 100K

Tanawha Adventure's Instagram

Brandon's Instagram

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I was very excited to sit down with Luke Paulson after he beasted his way to 2nd place overall at the Leadville Trail 100 Run this past weekend. Leadville 100 is an iconic race that starts at 10,200 feet and climbs to 12,600 feet. And as stated on their website, "Today, the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 RUN presented by La Sportiva is one of the oldest, most storied endurance running events in the world." Our conversation starts out with a little background on Luke, but I couldn't wait to dig into every detail of his experience at Leadville. Thank you, Luke, for sharing and putting up with all my curiosity! Way to represent Western North Carolina out in Colorado! Loved getting to know you and can't wait to see you out on the trails (but I will never race you, that's for sure)!

Luke's Strava

Luke's Brand New Instagram

or look for him on Facebook

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This weekend, Aaron Saft will be continuing his quest to accomplish the Grand Slam of 100 milers...four 100's within just a few months. Insanity, but incredible. He already has two under his belt, and the Leadville 100 is his next one. So, let's be praying for him and cheering him on! Aaron seeks out challenges to grow, to learn, and to attempt the difficult and seemingly impossible. And if it comes with an epic trophy or award, that seals the deal. Aaron is one of those guys that you want to know because he exudes joy, contentment, humility and encouragement. Aaron has so many accomplishments, so many wins, so many podium spots, so many accolades that I can't even begin to rattle them off. What I do know is that he fiercely loves his family, he loves to run, he loves to coach, and he loves to give back. If you know him, then you agree. I was able to hear how he started running, the influence that great coaches had in his life, his experience running for North Carolina State University, opening the FootRX running store, winning the USATF Trail Marathon, representing Team USA, his experiences at Hardrock 100 and UTMB, his experience running the Bigfoot 200, and so much more. Actually, I am not even close to diving into all I want to know, so after he accomplishes the Grand Slam, he will be back on the podcast for Part II. Shoot me a message on Instagram (@facingvert) if you have any questions for him that you want to know in my next episode with him!

Check out Aaron's podcast when you can, as he has over 180 awesome episodes out there for the world to hear. He is an inspiration!

Running is Life Podcast

For more information on Aaron and his coaching, check out his website, https://www.runningislife.run/

Aaron's Strava

Aaron's Instagram

Thank you, as always, for listening!

Episode 017 is all about Matthew Busche. Now retired from professional cycling, he is a coach for Carmichael Training Systems and lives in Western North Carolina with his beautiful wife, Lisa, and three precious boys. Matthew is so incredibly talented and has had a career that anyone would dream of having, yet he is one that never gives himself enough credit. He is quiet, humble, unassuming and the most loyal friend. Born a natural athlete, he gravitated to running at a young age. This then led him to becoming a two-time All American in college. After sustaining an injury, he picked up a bike, and the rest was history. I was fascinated to dig into the very quick path he took to becoming a pro, his two US Pro National Championship wins, his experience in both the Vuelta a España and the Tour de France, and his overall experience as a professional cyclist. Matthew, I know that talking about your accomplishments may not be your favorite thing, which makes me appreciate our time together even more. You, Lisa, and your boys are a blessing in our lives. Thank you.

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Matthew Busche's Instagram

CTS-Matthew Busche (coach)

Matthew's Email: [email protected]

Hannah and Seth Caudill are a powerful sibling duo. Just graduating from high school this spring, they both are heading to Catawba College with full scholarships to run cross country and track. I was intrigued to hear how these two started running and how they each learned (in completely different ways) to love it and find success. Our conversation was fast-paced and quite amusing because of their banter, and you can't help but smile when you hear them. You can certainly tell they are twins, and you can hear how much they admire, support, love and encourage each other despite how much they may try to hide it. ;) Hannah and Seth, I SO enjoyed our conversation, and I look forward to keeping up with your success in college and beyond. You are both such an inspiration and great role models for the sport. Thank you!

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Hannah's Instagram

Seth's Instagram

Hannah's Strava

Beth Hix is a phenomenal woman...a working mama of 2 boys, a wife to Zac, a triathlete, an overall fitness enthusiast, and so much more. Yes, that's right...she is good at all three sports...swimming, cycling, and running. Oh, and CrossFit, and Spartan races, and...you get the point. The only one I am brave enough to attempt is running, and I'll stick with that. Beth recently completed her first IRONMAN 70.3 in Chattanooga, Tennessee this past May, and I am in awe of anyone that can even attempt this. Listen as we dive into every detail of how she first got into triathlons, her training and the actual race day. This is a discipline that I wanted to try and fully understand without actually attempting it, so thank you, Beth, for patiently enduring my questions. Also thank you for the time you spent with me and for inspiring others to do hard things.

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Beth Hix's Instagram

Beth Hix's Coach: https://www.opening-eyes-to-adventure.com/triathloncoaching

Chattanooga IRONMAN 70.3 website: https://www.ironman.com/im703-chattanooga

THANK YOU for listening!!

Lunar Moth? What!? You will have to listen to my awesome conversation with Miller Groome to see what in the world this is about! Although I have never met Miller in person until our conversation, we both ran in the Cruel Jewel 100 this past May. He is also close friends with many that I run with, so it was so fun getting to know him myself. Miller has been extremely successful in the Ultra world, with many podium spots in the races he has done, including coming in third overall at Cruel Jewel. Miller also recently obtained the FKT on the Linville Gorge Hiking Circuit-a 34 mile grueling run that circles the Linville Gorge Wilderness in its' entirety. Yes, he is a competitor, but he simply runs for the enjoyment. Being outdoors is where he finds his peace and joy. As an ER nurse at Mission Hospital, I can't imagine the chaos he sees on a daily basis, but he has the most laid-back personality, and I love his zest for life. Thank you, Miller, for spending time chatting with me. I look forward to seeing you out on the trails!

Facing Vert's Instagram

Miller Groome's Strava

Miller Groome's Instagram

Check out his YouTube film, that was just released, about Tim Nooney and Jonathan Ibach's Hellbender 100 experience! Click on this LINK

Miller's Running Coach: Mark Driscoll ([email protected])

I absolutely loved getting to know Marisa Romeo. So humble and genuine, but a force to be reckoned with out on the trails. Marisa has quite an impressive resume of MANY podium finishes, including winning the Hellbender 100 in 2022, and the Georgia Loop FKT (fastest known time). She is one I look up to as a runner, but now that I have learned about who she is as a person, I look up to her even more. She is hyper-focused, goal-driven, whip smart, and so incredibly strong. It was awesome to learn how she grew even stronger through the adversity and challenges she faced as a teenager and as an adult. I loved the quote she shared at the end of the episode, "Don't let later become never." So true. Thank you, Marisa, for allowing me and the listeners to get to know you-even the vulnerable sides of you. I look forward to seeing what is next for you and cheering you on.

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Want to follow Marisa on Strava...I swear she gets crowns and trophies EVERY time she runs or hops on a bike! She is AMAZING!

Follow Marisa on Instagram