Overcoming Challenges in the Odyssey of the VOG: An Interview with Aliza Richman

In this episode of the Art of Type Two Fun podcast, host Karey interviews Aliza Richman, who just completed the Odyssey of the VOG, a grueling 350-mile bike packing race in Oregon. Aliza shares her journey, detailing the highs and lows of the race, her mental and physical struggles, and the strategies she employed to overcome them. She discusses the significance of preparation, gear choices, and the importance of mental fortitude. Aliza also reflects on her training regime, previous bike packing experiences, and the lessons learned from pushing her limits. The episode highlights the importance of perseverance, proper planning, and the support of friends in accomplishing challenging endeavors.

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Learn more!

Aliza's IG

Odyssey of the VOG Bikepacking Race

Misogi Studio in Corvallis, OR

Coach Emma Maraanen

Youtube Episode 

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Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

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Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

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In this episode of the Type Two Fun podcast, host Karey interviews Eszter Horanyi, an adventurer, athlete, photographer, and writer. Eszter shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to a celebrated endurance cyclist and bike packer, and now an avid trail runner. She recounts her transformative experience of living a mobile lifestyle and her deep love for outdoor adventures. Eszter also touches on overcoming personal challenges, including a finding resiliency from experience with abuse in her youth, and discusses the importance of finding joy and authenticity in one's pursuits. The conversation explores her perspective on living intentionally, embracing new challenges, and the value of mentorship and fortitude.

Eszter's IG

Ouray 100 Race

Endure by Alex Hutchinson

The Explorer's Gene by Alex Hutchinson

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Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

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In this episode, Karey sits down with adventurer and ultra-runner, Bronte Ibsen who is a life-long Arizonan and has many stories to tell!  Karey and Bronte met during the later half of the Black Canyon 60k race where they bunny hopped each other and yelled words of inspiration back and forth for hours while running towards last grueling miles of the race. 

They now both run regularly with the Tuesday Women's Evening Run Club (TWERC) based in Phoenix.  

Bronte brings such a light to her view on her experiences in the outdoors in a way that is respectful of her fellow adventurer folk as well as mother nature.  Her experiences and stories are inspiring and just down to earth in a way that Karey hopes will encourage all of you to get out there and just do the damn thing! 

Saddles 100 Race 

Bronte IG

Black Canyon 60k

CDT Coalition 

AZ Trail Association

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Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

Karey, alongside guest Co-hosts Aliza and Deann sit down and chat with ultra-endurance bike racer and author, Meghan Hackenin for an episode full of adventurous stories about the Atlas Mountain Race, Meghan's travels in Morocco, and what it means to be a thoughtful, intentional author.  

We cover:

• What it took to place 2nd in the recent 2025 Atlas Mountain Race
• Tips for traveling to foreign countries as a woman
• Pushing your comfort limits both mentally and physcally
• What it means to put yourself out there in your writing
• Setting records and chasing new ones
• Being kind to yourself
• Finding joy in the unknown

Find out more about Meghan and the Atlas mountain race here:

Meaghan Hackenin IG

Meaghan LinkTree

Meaghan Website

Atlas Mountain Race

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

Check out the first part of this 2 part episode! 

Karey sits down with Dylan Turner on The Endurance Studio Podcast to talk about life, sobriety, endurance training and racing and all other things in life that they have in common.  This is a unique episode where you can catch the first half here, and then make sure to head on over to The Endurance Studio Podcast to catch the second half.  OR You can watch the video version on the Podcast YouTube Channel (all links below).  

Karey and Dylan have a lot in common - almost an uncanny amount if things which is surprising cause they've never met each other before now!  Join Karey and Dylan in this tell-all episode and share in their successes and challenges as they hash out how they navigate life and training. 

The Endurance Studio Podcast

The Endurance Studio YouTube

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

On this solo episode, Karey shares a bit her thoughts and experiences going through a current injury.  She talks about how she incurred her recent foot injury, which includes a torn plantar fascia as well as a sprain, both in her left foot, which have left her unable to run for the past couple of months.  

Karey talks about:

• Mental Fortitude
• Dealing with Setbacks
• DNF'ing a race
• Finding a support team
• Riding the wave of recovering from injury 

Links to things that she mentioned in this episode: 

Flagstaff Skypeaks Race

McDowell Mountain Frenzy Race

Ultra Performance Physical Therapy (Meghan Slavin)

Everyday Ultra Coaching (Joe Corcione)

Atlas Mountain Race 

If you want to learn more about Karey and her adventures go here!

The Art of Type 2 Fun

IG: @TheArtofType2Fun

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

In this Episode, Karey gives an update about what is going on in her neck of the woods, upcoming races, and touches on some recent accomplishments of previous guests of the pod.  

Karey's focus on this episode is the Art of Mentorship and she talks about the following:

• What does it mean to be a mentor?
• What is the state of female mentorship in the Sports world?
• What can we do to be good mentors
• How do we find other strong female mentors and role models in the adventure space

Here are some references to check out for further reading/listening!  (I receive no benefit from the links provided below)

Bravey - by Alexi Pappas

Good for a Girl - by Lauren Fleshman

Everyday Ultra podcast and Coaching (Joe Corcione) 

Ultra Performance Physical Therapy (Meghan Slavin)

Javelina Jundred Ultra Race

Across the Years Timed Endurance Race

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

Karey had the opportunity to sit down with Tara Dower who holds the newly minted Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail.  Tara has made history, besting both the previous men's and women's FKT's for this trail, completing the trail in 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes.  She has been featured in many podcasts, articles and beyond for her recent feat of endurance!  She's been at this for a while though, and acts as a wonderful mentor and educator, sharing her knowledge and experiences of Ultra Running and throug hiking through her YouTube Channel, Tara Treks.  

Karey and Tara talk about:

• Tara's athletic history
• Tackling the Appalachian Trail
• Dealing and coping with Anxiety in ultra endurance events
• Cute animals on the trail
• Fear factors
• Dealing with having your period on the trail
• Healing and recovery after the fact

Check out the following for more details about her AT FKT and beyond:

Tara's IG: Tara.Dower
Tara's YouTube Channel: Tara Treks

Girls on the Run FKT Fundraiser (if still open)


MORE PODCASTS FEATURING TARA:

Free Trail Podcast
Singletrack Podcast

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

Karey sits down with ultra runner, Liz Trokey to talk about her recent ultra race, Pikes Peak Ultra, where things didn't quite go as planned.  They talk all things being flexible, being resilient and going with the flow.  Liz is a powerhouse mentor for other ladies in the Phoenix Valley area and is an expert in sharing the joy of doing hard things!  

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M

Karey sits down with outdoor adventurer and bikepack racer, Karin Pocock.  They chat about recent Type 2 Fun adventures including the Grand Loop, Revisiting the AZT 300 and most recently the Oregon Timber Trail.  Karin talks about what it means to her to be able to be outdoors pushing herself, even after doctors said that she wouldn't be able to use her foot in active sports again.  Karin also shares her stoke for the upcoming Colorado Trail Race which is happening right now with the grand depart taking place on Sunday, August 11. 

Karin Pocock IG

Colorado Trail Race

Oregon Timber Trail

Bikepacking the Triple Crown

Trackleaders for the CTR

Support the show

Intro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/abbynoise/night-thunder

License code: L8OOE3C0PKGLUZJI

Outtro Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling

License code: U8QYNEO8DTBYUN7M