Have you ever felt like giving up on a dream? Margaret Spring, @margaret_t_spring, almost did at mile 88 of the Leadville 100!

Listen today to learn how she turned it around... Tag someone who’s chasing a dream against all odds!

Three years ago, Margaret attempted the Leadville 100... it ended with a brutal DNF at mile 88. It was heart-wrenching, but it taught her resilience and the importance of perseverance. Jumping back to the present day, Margaret is back, training harder than ever, and ready to tackle the iconic Leadville course again! With each setback, she has learned more about my strength and determination. Margaret is also running for a cause close to her heart: the Annunciation Light Foundation.

Join us as we recap Margaret's manifestation of a Leadville race entry through perseverance, her Grand Canyon adventures, fundraising for various causes, and her love of Costco for fueling up on candy. Thank you for listening along on her journey!

#Leadville100 #RunningForACause #NeverGiveUp #trailrunning #ManifestingDreams

In this episode you'll learn all aboutMargaret's history with Leadville and lessons from her first attempt at 100 miles, including how health setbacks influenced her comeback, how she's powered by candy, and how some of her running nad baking love developed.

00:00 - Introduction to Margaret’s journey and race manifesting

02:25 - Overcoming setbacks: illness before Leadville 100

04:47 - Training through autoimmune challenges and setbacks

06:42 - Manifesting race entry with humor and creativity

08:46 - Strategies for securing race spots: lotteries, giveaways, and competitions

11:31 - Practical fueling tips: candy, gels, and homemade replacements

17:47 - Race terrain facts: high altitude, Leadville trails

20:33 - Gear hacks: keeping hands warm and opening foods easily

22:45 - Fueling ideas: mini eggs, candies, and creative smoothies

26:12 - Favorite snacks: Smarties, Aero, Oreos, and international treats

30:21 - Candy and baking adventures: from Chief Candy Tasting Officer to sourdough starter stories

32:30 - Dental care and gear prep during ultra races

35:51 - Incorporating vegetables and healthy snacks into long runs

39:02 - Costco hacks for affordable race fueling and essentials

43:07 - Avoiding gut issues: food choices and real-food fueling

45:23 - The joy of running with cake and creating homemade race foods

52:30 - Reflections on community, shared adventures, and plans for future races

58:53 - Exploring trail hazards like snakes, and safety tips for high-altitude races

64:41 - Margaret’s Grand Canyon and international adventure stories

70:08 - Supporting loved ones and race experiences in iconic Colorado locations

77:15 - Dream races and bucket list adventures in Europe and beyond

82:16 - Collaborative ideas: cake league, pancake pop-ups, and custom race gear

86:44 - Reflections on ultrarunning communities and the spirit of fun competition

Links:

Annunciation Light Foundation

Margaret Spring on Instagram

Leadville 100 Race Official Site

Cure Medullo

Costco

Skratch Labs

O'Henry Candy

Smarties Candy

Cadbury UK

Thank you for listening today, friends! We about to have a candid and humours chat with Jen Laughlin about her journey through menopause, unexpected growth as she supports women in midlife, and adventures in ultrarunning.

You'll learn how honesty, humor, communication and community-building can empower women, and help tackle the physical and emotional challenges of aging, fitness, and life.

Some of the topics we cover include:

• The unexpectedly viral success of funny social media reels highlighting women's shared experiences in menopause
• Practical insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), its effects, and how to manage changing hormones
• The connection between menopause, mental health and relationship dynamics
• Body and brain changes during menopause
• Tips for getting more women into trail and ultrarunning, and to sign up for races and hard events
• A candid comparison of Tushars 100k and Mogollon Monster 100 miler including technical terrain, elevation, trail features and logistics

• The importance of community, inclusivity, and addressing safety concerns in women’s races and outdoor activities
• The evolving landscape of race organization, volunteer roles, and race safety logistics, including supporting and increasing women’s participation in endurance sports

• Jen's Instagram
• UltraSignUp Race Results & Listings
• Mogollon Monster race info
• Tushars Mountain Runs info
• Javelina Jundred
• Aravaipa Running
• Squirrel's Nut Butter
• Hormone Replacement Therapy Information

Timestamps:

02:15 - Going viral: menopause humor that connects women and is building a community
03:37 - The impact of social media on women’s mental health and shared experiences
05:03 - Insights on hormonal treatment, HRT, managing side effects, and body changes
06:14 - What men need to know about menopause and how to be supportive through the adventure
09:44 - Relationship dynamics during menopause and the importance of patience and communication
11:36 - The growth of women in endurance sports and strategies for more female participation
16:24 - The physical and mental benefits of adding testosterone, race training, and recovery
20:44 - Overcoming injury setbacks, mental health, and race goals in ultrarunning
27:45 - Race comparisons: Mogollon Monster versus Tushars 100k including trail features and difficulty levels
36:58 - The logistical and scenic aspects of iconic races like Mogollon Monster 100 miler and Tushars 100k
44:54 - Race records, course variations, and the importance of supporting diverse racers
51:34 - A behind the scenes look into volunteer opportunities, race organization, and the spirit of community support
65:14 - Strategies for encouraging more women to start ultrarunning, hiking, and trail running
77:36 - Promoting inclusivity, handling social media content, and supporting safe women’s events
81:14 - Behind the scenes at races: videos, social media evolution, and race day moments
84:42 - The importance of men understanding and supporting their partners through menopause
85:45 - Final thoughts: community, humor, and resilience in endurance sports and life

Competing in Burrito League was the ultimate test for TJ Harms-Synkiew: a second-place finish with over 1,000 miles in 26 days… not on dirt or mountain trails, but navigating city streets, road crossings, physical pain and intense mental battles. He finished with grit, learning that patience and mental toughness matter just as much as miles.

In an unexpected twist, TJ's biggest challenge wasn’t the miles, but managing the mental struggle — from feeling like giving up to finding confidence in pushing through pain. His story shows us that endurance isn’t just physical; it’s a mindset you build day by day. Something worth thinking about.What’s the biggest mental hurdle you’ve overcome in your journey? Let us know in the comments.

Connect with TJ to follow his adventures and get inspired by his incredible endurance and passion for ultra running!

• Website: ⁠coachcrewpace.com⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@harmssynkiew⁠
• Substack: ⁠TJ Harms-Synkiew⁠

• Bighorn 100
• Ouray 100
• Leadville 100
• RunRabbitRun 100
• Crazy Mountain 100

Don't forget to like and subscribe to this podcast!

The video version can be found on the CactusMoose YouTube channel.

#UltraRunning #MentalToughness #EnduranceLife #RaceMindset #PushYourLimits

We’ve got a fun episode in store today, friends! Maia Detmer shares her inspiring journey from a childhood rooted in sports to becoming a dedicated trauma nurse and an accomplished ultrarunner. She started running to improve her health, and shares with us the intense experiences of last person standing race,  the vibrant community fostered through Across the Years, Jackpot Ultras and Burrtio League. Maia has some big goals this year, and is an inspiring figure in the world of ultras where she competes with support from Aravaipa Running and Ultraspire.

"Honestly, you can trick your brain. If you put a smile on your face, you're actually doing better or feeling better than you think. It's all temporary." - Maia Detmer

Main Topics Covered:

• Maia’s athletic origins in soccer and transition into ultra trail running
• How ultrarunning has transformed Maia’s health and mindset
• Insights into last person standing races, mental resilience, and camaraderie
• The organization and behind-the-scenes of Burrito League and Across the Years
• The role of community, sponsorships, and creative race support
• Maia’s upcoming races, coaching journey, and future goals

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Maia’s multifaceted background 02:34 - Transition from sports to ultrarunning for health 04:14 - Maia’s positivity and the power of smiling 05:20 - The mental game in ultra races and faking it till you make it 06:26 - Race interactions and mutual support in ultra community 08:00 - Experiencing UNLV and shared memories 09:02 - Reflections on Across the Years 2020 and race experiences 10:02 - Personal milestones, emotions, and finishing strong 11:27 - The significance of community encouragement during races 12:33 - Notable race moments and avoiding injuries 14:10 - Recovery and Maia’s health updates post-race 16:18 - Deep friendships and community bonds formed in ultras 17:54 - Maia’s experience supporting and pacing friends 18:40 - Reflection on Jackpot and race fatigue 19:21 - Training and preparation for upcoming races 22:18 - Creating race support atmosphere with memorable moments like kazoo interruptions 24:25 - The impact of community support and surprises during the race 26:44 - Memorable race antics and rivalry banter 28:33 - The camaraderie of recurring participants and race traditions 30:41 - Maia’s involvement with Burrito League and community organization 33:54 - Challenges of race organization and future plans 36:01 - Behind-the-scenes of race management and community engagement 41:38 - Upcoming ultra races and Maia’s coaching journey 46:15 - How Burrito League served as training for longer races 52:57 - Maia’s future ambitions in the ultra distance scene 58:58 - Maia’s race day photos and candid moments 61:45 - Post-race recovery and injury management 63:17 - Future goals including Tahoe 200 and beyond 64:18 - Follow Maia: social media and upcoming adventures 65:47 - Closing thoughts and upcoming races like Trail TrashedResources & Links:

• Maia Detmer on Instagram
• Maia's Strava profile - Strava
• Corinne’s Company - Women Can Movement
• UltraSpire - Official Site
• Chipotle - Official Website
• Sparkle Lab Art - Instagram

Connect with Maia Detmer:

• Instagram
• Strava

From spontaneous moves to becoming an ultrarunner, her story is a testament to embracing change, managing discomfort and chasing dreams. Taryn's path from Texas to Utah is filled with unexpected turns, majestic landscapes, overcoming an eating disorder, and discovering a love for the trails.
In today's episode of The Evolving Adventurer, @taryn_annette shares her insights on taking risks, finding courage, and the joy of running through nature's wonders including the spectacular trail up to Angel's Landing.
Whether you're an aspiring adventurer or just love a good story, Taryn's journey will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown.

#womeninrunning #icandohardthings #ultrarunning #eatingdisorderrecovery #chaseyourdreams

 keywords
ultra marathon, trail running, mental resilience, moving across states, recovery, eating disorder, adventure, ultrarunning tips, Utah, Tennessee
 key  topics
Taryn's journey from a delayed quarter-life crisis to ultrarunning
The challenges and rewards of moving cross-country for adventure
Overcoming an eating disorder through sport and self-discovery
Training, nutrition, and recovery tips for female ultrarunners 
The community and camaraderie of trail running and ultra running
 sound bites
"I wanted to bet on myself"
"Comparison is the thief of joy"
"You're not alone in any part of it"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Adventure
00:58 Taryn's Journey into the Outdoors
02:28 The Move from Tennessee to Utah
07:20 Navigating Life as a Single Female Adventurer
11:21 The Transition to Ultra Running
18:45 Lessons Learned from Ultra Running Attempts
25:33 Embracing Personal Strengths in Ultra Running
26:38 Exploring Different Race Formats and Environments
27:52 Mental Challenges During Long Races
30:44 Overcoming Physical and Mental Low Points
33:08 The Emotional Journey of Finishing a Race
35:35 The Community and Support in Ultra Running
38:10 The Unique Experience of Loope Courses
42:28 Future Aspirations and Adventures in Running
45:59 Exploring the Trails and Community
49:44 Recovery and Nutrition in Ultra Running
55:29 Navigating Eating Disorders and Body Image
59:58 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
 resources
Instagram - Taryn Annette
Jackpot Ultras (100-Mile Race)
Aravaipa Running

Join us on today's episode as we dive into the world of Whitney Dancaster, an elite trail runner from the East Coast, sponsored by Newton Running. Whitney shares her thrilling journey from city streets to ultramarathons, and how she's building a vibrant running community. Tune in for tales of her Burrito League escapades, safety smarts, race prep secrets, gear must-haves, and her sky-high goals for the future.Key Topics Include:

• Whitney’s epic win at the Chattanooga Burrito League, clocking over 543 miles and rallying the community
• Savvy safety tips for solo and trail runners, from wildlife whispers to communication cues
• Weathering the storm: tackling trail terrain and Mother Nature's mood swings
• Gear up! Whitney’s go-to shoes, socks, packing hacks, and support essentials
• From road to rugged: mastering new skills and boosting downhill daring
• How social media and community spirit spark connections and collaborations
• Whitney’s race calendar, dreams of 200-milers, FKTs, and exciting events on the horizon
• Beginner’s guide: trail reading, navigation, foot care, and handling wildlife and weather surprises

• Friction Prescription – Foot care products for trail runners
• Newton Running – Earthquake, stability, and racing shoes
• ⁠⁠30% off UCan and Free $20 Trial Pack⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Unlimited Potential YouTube⁠⁠
• ⁠IG: Whitney Dancaster⁠ 

• Cocodona 250 – Iconic 250-mile adventure race in Arizona
• Leadville Trail 100 – Iconic 100-mile race in Colorado

• Big Deal at Great Seal - Ultramarathon in Ohio
• Long Haul 100 - Ultramarathon in Florida
• A Race for the Ages - Unique Ultramarathon in Tennessee
• The Barkley Fall Classic - Ultramarathon in Tennessee

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Whitney: ultrarunning roots and community capers
02:05 - Burrito League breakdown: miles, community vibes, and local love
03:07 - Community chemistry and the trail scene evolution
04:28 - Burrito Loop life: routines and community chats
06:02 - Safety smarts: traffic, critters, weather, and risk wrangling
08:22 - Trail transition: tackling technical terrain
09:54 - Gear goodies: shoes, socks, packing plans, and emergency prep
12:19 - Weather woes: training and race prep, winter gear wonders
15:43 - Safety savvy: support circles, sharing plans, and wildlife watch
16:41 - Wildlife watch: bears, snakes, gators, oh my!
22:53 - Trail tricks: navigation, blaze reading, and finding your way
25:05 - Shoe smarts: fit, toe boxes, and blister busters
30:13 - Race-ready: river crossings, terrain tips, and gear guidance
33:40 - Race radar: Leadville, FKTs, and ultramarathon ambitions
41:22 - Trail trials and triumphs: personal growth parallels
50:02 - Trail tactics: safety, terrain tweaks, and adaptation
55:01 - Mindset magic: mastering descents and trail awareness
62:32 - Social media magic: connecting, supporting, and community building
63:16 - Coaching, mentorship, and championing women in sport
64:14 - Shoutouts to family, sponsors, and mentors
66:01 - Final musings: safety, awareness, and the ultrarunning community's power

Please follow this show on Spotify. It really helps!

Note: Always be trail-ready with navigation tools, safety gear, and wildlife wisdom. Whitney champions gear testing, terrain savvy, and community support for a sustainable and joyful trail running adventure.

Keywords: trail running, ultra marathon, Burrito League, safety tips, race preparation, community, gear, hydration, navigation, wildlife, women's running.

Healing through Rhythm: Exploring Drums & Rattles with Robyn

Join us in this inspiring conversation with Robyn, artist and Métis healer, as she shares her journey into making drums and rattles, their cultural significance, and how these sacred tools facilitate healing and self-discovery. Discover practical insights on crafting, using, and connecting with these powerful instruments in your personal practice.

In this episode:

• Robyn’s background as a Métis artist and healer specializing in rattles and drums
• The cultural and spiritual significance of Métis, Cree, and other Indigenous traditions
• How crafting drums and rattles serves as a process of healing and ancestral reconnection
• The different roles of drums (mirrors) and rattles (guides) in ceremonies and energy sessions
• Choosing the right animal and material for your drum based on intention and spiritual guidance
• The importance of ceremony, reciprocity, and connection when sourcing rawhide and crafting tools
• How intuition develops through trauma healing, spiritual deconstruction, and practice
• Workshop formats, group sizes, and how community energy enhances the healing process
• Future visions for rattles as accessible healing tools and interactive art installations

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction and the healing potential of drums & rattles
02:05 - Robyn’s Métis identity and cultural background
04:00 - The process of crafting rattles and drums as healing tools
06:15 - Cross-cultural origins of drums and rattles worldwide
08:30 - Sourcing rawhide: tradition, ceremony, and modern support
10:45 - The ancestral connection to drum-making and medicine work
12:18 - Roles of drums as mirrors and rattles as guides in healing
14:06 - Developing intuition: trauma, spirituality, and trusting your call
16:38 - The evolution of Robyn’s relationship with her craft and tools
18:00 - How drums activate primal energy; examples of transformative experiences
20:10 - The structure and purpose of Robyn’s workshops; group dynamics
22:50 - Customization of materials, animal choices, and energetic significance
25:00 - Interpreting spirit animal energies in drum and rattle selection
28:10 - Future visions for rattles: art, healing, and educational installations
30:34 - Personal stories of rattles and drums guiding life shifts
32:37 - Artistry and quality in making heirloom tools
35:00 - The subtle yet profound power of rattles’ feminine energy
37:20 - Sharing a live rattle experience and its effects
39:52 - Feedback from clients: epiphanies, ancestral guidance, and breakthroughs
43:15 - Supporting clients when their drum or rattle shows physical manifestations
46:20 - Exploring sound frequency and intentional use in healing
48:39 - Personal experiences: ice-fire sensations and energy activation
50:00 - How to work with your tools intuitively, beyond words
52:17 - Guided mini session to connect with your own rattling or drumming
55:32 - Connecting with Robyn online and upcoming workshops
57:00 - Raffle for a beautiful rainbow rattle — enter now!
58:38 - The symbolic meaning behind the rainbow, love, and earth in Robyn’s work
59:34 - Final thoughts: trust your intuition and the spiritual guidance of tools

Resources & Links:

• ⁠Robyn’s Website⁠
• ⁠Instagram - Robpross Wholeness⁠
• ⁠Email: robpross.wholeness [at] gmail [dot] com⁠

During the guided mini session, Robyn invites you to simply listen, notice sensations, and trust your intuition — there’s no right or wrong experience.

Remember: These sacred tools are actives of transformation. Trust your inner voice, and allow their sound and energy to lead you toward healing and deeper connection.

Discover Krista’s inspiring story of overcoming mental health struggles, shifting from conventional medicine to holistic modalities like Body Talk, and reclaiming her vitality. This episode dives deep into her personal evolution, the power of energetic healing, and practical insights for anyone seeking profound transformation.

• Krista’s background with mental health challenges and medication dependency
• Awakening to alternative healing: how she discovered BodyTalk
• The role of energy, spirit, and subconscious patterns in physical and emotional health
• Personal experiences with trauma, loss, and resilience
• The importance of intuitive observation and safe space in healing
• Practical steps to incorporate body awareness and self-care
• How remote sessions facilitate healing and accessibility
• The significance of grounding, intuition, and trusting your body's signals
• Supporting others: the responsibility of practitioners in safe healing environments
• Krista’s plans for expanding her practice and serving her community physically and virtually

Key Topics:

00:00 - Introduction and Krista’s background in healing and personal growth
02:50 - Meeting Krista and memorable moments from early connections
05:00 - The power of energetic connections at events and beyond
08:30 - Experiencing the intense energy during group meditations and shifts
12:00 - How understanding energy and spirit transforms healing approaches
13:15 - Krista’s history with mental health struggles and medication
15:00 - Her journey into weight loss and body awareness through trauma release
17:30 - The importance of listening to your body and the role of rest and balance
20:45 - The collapse of her work life and navigating financial and emotional hardship
25:00 - Processing loss, moving, and the depths of despair
30:00 - Discovering alternative modalities: Loesje, Pam Dillon, and body talk
35:20 - Her experiences with ketamine therapy and limitations of western medicine
40:00 - The significance of trauma, birth stories, and somatic awareness
45:10 - The shift into holistic health: connecting with horses, nature, and intuition
50:00 - The power of regular practice and how it supports physical and emotional healing
55:00 - Embracing gifts, intuition, and the responsibility of practitioners
60:00 - The importance of vulnerability, community, and authentic connection
65:10 - Supporting future parents and breaking generational trauma cycles
70:00 - The evolution of healing modalities and their role in preventative health
75:00 - Krista’s offerings: sessions, sliding scale, accessibility, and how to connect
78:00 - Her vision for in-person work and community engagement in Langley
80:00 - Support, guidance, and embracing change with body talk
82:00 - Final thoughts on self-empowerment, trying new modalities, and collective healing

Resources & Links:

• Body Talk with Krista
• BodyTalk with Krista (Canada)
• Instagram - Body Talk with Krista
• Pam Dhillon - Wild & Wise 
• Loesje - Linking Awareness Instagram or website
• Fraser (Tattoo Artist)
• Andy Glaze - ultrarunner 
• Greggi Instagram and website

Connect with Krista:

• Instagram: bodytalkwithkrista
• Website: bodytalkwithkrista.com

Thank you for listening, friends! Today, Asia Jackson of Wild Mountain Breathwork in Vernon, BC shares her transformative journey through breathwork and cold plunging, detailing how these practices helped her reconnect with herself and her surroundings.

In this episode, Asia discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for breathwork, the science behind it, and how it has impacted her parenting and personal relationships. She emphasizes the significance of listening to one's body and intuition, and offers advice for anyone who may be hesitant to explore breathwork. There is a profound connection between the effects of breathwork on mental health, connection, and self-discovery.

If you find something in this episode helpful, please consider sharing with a friend and leaving a review.

Takeaways

*Breathwork can help reconnect individuals with their bodies and emotions.

*Cold plunging served as a catalyst for Asia's transformation.

*Breathwork allows for emotional release and healing.

*The practice fosters deeper connections with oneself and others.

*Parenting perspectives shift through the lens of breathwork.

*Creating safe spaces is essential for effective breathwork sessions.

*Breathwork can bridge the gap between science and spirituality.

*Listening to one's body is crucial in the healing process.

*Intuition plays a significant role in personal growth and decision-making.

*Daily breathwork practices can train the nervous system for better emotional regulation.

Asia took her training with Breathless Expeditions, taking both the 21 Day Nervous System reset and the facilitator training course. She also offers several free breath work tracks on her website, Wild Mountain Breathwork.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Breathwork and Personal Journey

05:55 The Transformative Power of Cold Plunging

11:40 Discovering Breathwork: A Path to Connection

17:35 Shifts in Perception and Relationships

23:19 The Science Behind Breathwork

29:23 Integrating Breathwork into Daily Life

34:37 Facilitating Breathwork: Observations and Experiences

39:53 Intuitive Insights Through Personal Breathwork

45:36 Grounding Practices for Breathwork Facilitators

50:02 Advice for Newcomers to Breathwork

breathwork, cold plunging, personal growth, mindfulness, mental health, connection, parenting, facilitation, self-discovery, wellness

Thank you for listening today, friends! I'm a recently attuned reiki master, and today's episode discusses some of the benefits and myths about reiki, energy healing, and healing at a distance.

I wanted to share this information to clear misconceptions and promote awareness of the huge shifts, pain relief, emotional regulation, and relaxation that reiki and energy healing can have on the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. It's been profound for me in my life journey.

As promised in the episode, here are the links to studies I reference in today's episode:

A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health

Does practicing Reiki alter the electromagnetic field of heart and hands of practitioners?

New Frontiers in Heart Rate Variability and Social Coherence Research: Techniques, Technologies, and Implications for Improving Group Dynamics and Outcomes

If you're curious to learn more about reiki, energy healing, other modalities I use, or book a session, connect with me through my website or on Instagram