Join me as I take you through the mind of a newly crowned 50 year old. Yes, it is just a number but, for me, it was a stark reminder of how fast this little stint called "life" truly is.

As part of my yearlong celebration, I took on the Cruel Jewel 100, one of the most grueling 100-milers on the east coast!

It lived up to its "cruel" reputation but was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, especially since I got to share the experience with a good friend of mine. It's not always where you are, but who you're with.

The Cruel Jewel 100 is a 104-mile foot race which takes place in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains. The race comes equipped with rocks, roots, waterfalls, lush green hardwood forests, spectacular wildlife and 33,000 feet of climbing along the way!

I'll walk you through my preparation and race day highs/lows along this extremely memorable 34 hour 23 minute journey. 

I had my first crack at the Backyard Ultra format over Memorial Day weekend at the Capital Backyard in Lorton VA!

It was an incredible experience on so many levels and, if you're considering this format and on the east coast, you will NOT be disappointed! Sarah Smith, the RD, does an amazing job on this one on every single level. The food at the start/finish in the best I've ever had at a race and the overall energy is stuck in the clouds every single time you finish a yard!

The format is simple. Run a 4.167 loop (yard) at the start every hour, on the hour and run until you can't continue or just decide to quit. Roughly 60 runners lined up for this one and the winner ultimately ran nearly three days to get the win!

While the format sounds straightforward, it was an eye-opener to me on many levels! 

With all that said, I wanted to share all my mistakes and save you some time from making the same ones I did.

This episode is all about the Capital Backyard!

Ever wonder what it's like to run a 200-miler?

Join another conversation, and encore appearance, with Amy Adams as she offers answers to all your questions!

Should I ever venture out into the world of 200s, I'll be sure and watch the first season of MacGyver from 1985 and pay special attention to any ditches and tents he makes!!

Enjoy!

Amy's service in the Marine Corps, while raising her first two children, put her on a path to tackle some of the hardest races on the planet.

Now a mother of four, she's completed over 70 ultra marathons, including 15 100-milers, 3 200-milers and most recently took the starting line of Badwater 135! The platform we all call trail running has helped her navigate through many personal and physical struggles, and continues to be the source for her continued personal growth.

As a testament to who she is, she's most inspired when she spots a new ultra runner on the verge of unlocking the same personal growth she's found through this amazing sport; Her enthusiasm is infectious!

As a child, Patrick, a newly minted master runner at the age of 41, remembers countless days accompanying his dad on his track workouts. While runnning up and down the bleachers as his dad sped around the track, his father's dedication, hard work and enjoyment was never lost on him, and those attributes became the foundation for the man he is today.

Now a father himself, Patrick continues instilling these values in his own children through his constant dedication, hard work and enthusiasm toward running. While his family shares some of his love for running, he also wants them to know the more important part is to just enjoy this stint down here called life.

We're taking a trip "down under" to a place that's very near and dear to my heart - Australia!

Bob, an amazing husband and father, has found running, and more recently ultra running, as the place he mentally sorts things out. He's battled his share of difficult times and even an occassional kangaroo on the trail (true story)!

Join Bob as he sheds light on his journey as he gears up for his first 100K, The You Yangs on July 16! 

I decided to "virtually" head overseas and talk with this amazing human being!

Paul has had a successful career in addition to being an acclaimed author, most recently with his novel "Mr. Gupta Goes to Sea". But the journey leading up to this phase of his life has been everything but easy.

Paul, like many of us, has battled his share of demons and has found solace and empowerment over the years through running.

Sit back and prepare to laugh a little and be inspired by his message. Also check out his website below and offer some virtual support as he sets out to do his first 100k next month!

www.paulcomerford.com

Bryan's 2138-day running streak and life nearly came to an end following a horrific accident back in October 2021. With 14 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a shattered clavicle and 2 weeks in the ICU, he was always grateful for what he still had, and what he could still do. Running streakers from around the world donated some of their daily miles to keep his amazing streak alive until he could pick it up again. 

Four months later, now at day 2150, he's back in the saddle with an entirely different perspective on life. Treat yourself to hearing what true grit and determination is all about and, if nothing else, go out there and be grateful for the life you have!

John decided to run his first ultra, The Barkley Fall Classic, back in 2017 and hasn't looked back since!

Ultra Signup will show you how he's completed nearly 100 races over the past 5 years and an insanely busy race schedule this year, but it doesn't tell how much heart this amazing guy has.

Now 42, John, as with so many of us, enjoys both the physical and mental benefits that come along with running and has used it to get through some challenging points in his life. In this episode, he shares with us the "WHY" and what keeps him motivated to never rest on his laurels and challenge himself each and every day!

Penny's high school track coach said "no" to her running cross-country so, 50 years later, Penny said "yes" to ultra running!

She's been running and competing for decades, but a new love for running was unleashed three years ago when she completed her first ultra. Always looking for the next challenge, Penny is about to compete in a grueling 50k, AND is preparing for her first 100 miler in June, at the age of 70!

Her passion for the sport and community of ultra running comes through loud and clear!