I don't have to tell you what the Western States Endurance Run means to the ultrarunning community.  It is the super bowl, the Boston Marathon, World Cup, the World Series.....  And if you've listened to me gushing about the race and the energy on this podcast over the years, you will know how I feel about it.  Two amazing people, Carrie Meng, Assistant Race Director, finisher, and all around awesome human, and John Trent, journalist, 11-time finisher. author, and again, just an awesome, passionate human, have started a podcast.  It is called "The Spirit of Western States".  They will discuss history, rules, lottery, crewing best practices, all the things.  The will serve as great information for runners and crews preparing for their trip to the mecca of ultrarunning, and also for volunteers and rabid fans like me who can't get enough.  Enjoy getting to know these two ultrarunners and their new podcast!

1. Welcome to the official Western States podcast! - The Spirit of Western States Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

@carriemetothemtns

@trent4964

WSER

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Discount code = MARTYG

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

I met Shauna during her first 100 miler at Long Haul 100 earlier this year.  Most people, regardless of the training, struggle during the last 15-20 miles of their first 100.  She may have too, but she sure didn't show it.  She was well prepared with awesome coaching, and has the grit required to accomplish big things in the ultra world.  Her enthusiasm for our sport is infectious.  Enjoy!

@ultrashauna

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

Jeffrey Weiss is an author, an Ironman, and an ultrarunner.  Join me and get to know Jeff, hear a bit of his story of how a simple goal of running a 10k sparked a profound personal evolution.  His book, Racing Against Time, comes highly recommended and is available now.  Enjoy!  

JEFFREY WEISS

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

The Hot Box Sauna | Home

Canyon Woodward, from Franklin, NC is just set a 5ish hour PR in the 100 mile distance at Javelina 100 a few weeks ago, taking 3rd place overall.  Finishing just minutes behind his coach, David Roche, and at the awards ceremony was surprised with his Golden Ticket. Find out all the scoop on where the name Canyon comes from, and their crewing strategies to make such a huge improvement!  Enjoy.

@canyonwoodward

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

The Hot Box Sauna | Home

Stella Springer is a strong trail and ultra runner from So Cal and happens to be pretty good at the timed track and road races as well.  Haha.  She's coming off a big PR of 146 miles in the 24 hour world championships in Albi, France.  What makes this even more remarkable is, she was in France as an alternate for team USA and competing in the open division, but when Camille pulled out at the last minute, eye roll inserted here, Stella was added to the team with very little notice.  The added pressure could hinder some people's performances, but it seems like it raised her to a higher level.  She beat her previous PR by 4+ miles and was 2nd best among the USA team scorers.  She has run over 50 ultras and won more than 15.  Fun fact.  She started running at age 45.  Enjoy her story.  

@stella_springer0534

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

The Hot Box Sauna | Home

I've been trying to connect with Manuela Vilaseca since before the Triple Crown started this year, but when Moab 240 was over and she was crowned the champ and new record holder, it seemed like it was obviously time.  The 6 hour time difference took some planning, but we made it happen and I am so glad we did.  Enjoy!

@manuvilaseca

@teampeakrun

Peak Run Performance | Professional Online Running and Nutrition Coaching

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

Andrea Moore is just a human positivity wrecking ball!  She crushes big goals with people power!  She is the most passionate and enthusiastic person about the sport and community of ultrarunning that I have ever had the privilege to interview.  Enjoy!

@andthensome1

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

The Hot Box Sauna | Home

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

PlayOn Pain Relief l Nature’s Hot & Cold Therapy – PlayOn Relief

The Hoot'n Bulldog Track Ultra - November 14, 2025

Hey friends.  This is starting to feel a little self-serving and cheesy.  I will probably not do another episode until I can line up an awesome guest to give some tips on dealing with the issues I have been facing.  I'm gonna try and line up Tonya to discuss aches and pains and weakness identification, Amy for mindset, and hopefully a veteran at 100 mile training for overall experience lessons.

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

PlayOn Pain Relief Spray – PlayOn Relief

Join me for a chat with Race Directors, runners, awesome humans, and ambassadors of the TedX event in Vero Beach with a who's who list of ultrarunning royalty in addition to some other really smart people all discussing "Breaking Barriers: Systems that challenge the status quo."  They give all the info you need to get excited and to rush out and get yo tickets!

TEDxVeroBeach 2025 Tickets, Sun, Nov 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

My Journey to Festivus is moving along better now.  More than double the miles, strength training, and work success.  Feeling much better even though I had some low points.  

Squirrel's Nut Butter: Natural Anti-Chafe & Skin Restoring Salves

Mount to Coast | For runners who transcend distance.

BANANA CHAMPS - Banana Champs

Effin' Runner - Runner Tees, Hoodies, and Gifts – Effin' Ultra Runner

PlayOn Pain Relief l Nature’s Hot & Cold Therapy – PlayOn Relief