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What if your next meal could be part of your mental health plan? In this episode of Racing Thoughts, I sit down with Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo—a registered dietitian, endurance athlete, and expert in integrative nutrition—to explore the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. We dive into how blood sugar, gut health, and even hydration can impact anxiety, depression, and performance. Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to feel better day-to-day, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based insights you can apply immediately.

Get involved and learn more!

About — Nutrition for Optimal Performance

He’s been called the godfather of gnarly trail running in the Northeast, and-it's not wrong. In this episode, I sit down with Dick Vincent, founder and longtime race director of the legendary Escarpment Trail Run, a 30K through the rugged Catskills known for rocks, roots, and real-deal suffering.

We talk about:

The origin story of Escarpment and why it’s not for the faint of heart

How trail culture has evolved — and what we’ve lost (and gained) along the way

What it takes to build mental toughness that lasts beyond the finish line

What he wants to the legacy of Escarpment to be (He has someone in mind to take over!)

Whether you’re a trail veteran, a road runner dabbling in dirt, or just someone fascinated by what drives endurance athletes to suffer for fun — this one’s for you.

Learn more about the Escarpment Trail Run: ecscarpmenttrail.com

 If you’re an athlete struggling with burnout, injury recovery, or mental blocks in your training — I offer free 15-minute consults through Racing Thoughts Counseling. Email me at [email protected]

Ultrarunner, endurance coach, and former pro triathlete Alyssa Godesky joins us to talk about identity, injury, and the mindset behind true endurance. With over 50 ultramarathons, 5 Ironman finishes, and multiple Fastest Known Times (FKTs) to her name—including the Vermont Long Trail and the Catskills 35—Alyssa shares how stepping away from sport during injury challenged her to redefine strength, success, and self-worth. This conversation is about more than a comeback—it’s about discovering who you are when the race pauses, and why that version might be even stronger.

In this episode of Racing Thoughts, we sit down with Joseph Disanto—a former solo hiker who found more than speed when he laced up his trail shoes. Joseph shares how his journey from the backcountry to the start line transformed not just his body, but his entire sense of identity. From struggling with isolation to finding deep connection through community and competition, this is a story about purpose, belonging, and the power of putting one foot in front of the other.

Race director and ultrarunner from Happily Running Vinny Cappadora—opens up about his journey from active addiction to building a life rooted in miles, meaning, and service. He shares the moments that nearly broke him, the race that changed everything, and how sobriety gave him not just a second chance—but a starting line.

Whether you’re in recovery, on the trails, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that the path forward doesn’t have to be fast—just honest, and Vinny is absolute that!

What happens when your body gives out in the middle of one of your life's greatest passion? In this raw and inspiring story, Brian Gatens (from the Dark Zone podcast) recounts the harrowing day his heart stopped mid-ride-an elite adventure racer brought to the brink by a massive heart attack. Against the odds, he survived. But survival was just the beginning.

Join us as he shares the moment everything changed, the fight to recover, and how he found his way back to the trails, the bike and himself-before facing another unexpected injury.

Just an update on where I've been and where the pod is going

HOME | SCOAlbany

https://www.trisignup.com/Race/Events/NY/Schenectady/SerenityOnTheTrails

We talk to two female athletes, Mykel Bridget Czaja and Ellie Maloney, about balancing motherhood and how running factors into their mental health.

We talk to Michelle Merlis, skyrunner, and trail runner. We chat about her journey into running from the beginning to the 2022 World Trail Running Championships, the lessons she learned from that experience.

We talk to Kim Levinsky, Race Director for Sassquad Trail Running, and seasoned ultrarunner. We discuss the connection between her relationship with running and mental health, Kim's journey into her own mental health with the support of her friends and her community. 

Trail Running | Sassquad Trail Running | United States

Bigger Than the Trail (bttt.run)