In this special edition of the HPRS Podcast, Race Director John Lacroix discusses the framework of community within ultramarathon running from 20 years ago, the two pockets that currently divide the sport, and how the behaviors of a small subset of runners within the community threaten to tear what remains of the community apart.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 60, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix brings us full circle on how our federal land management partners' current issues could negatively impact trail and ultra events. During the discussion, John highlights the timeline from June 2023 to the Present in discussing how we arrived at this moment and the real-life ramifications of budget shortfalls, cuts, and worker layoffs could have on our sport. John then expresses the importance of continued advocacy by our user group and being intentional by doing more to give back to the agencies that have afforded us the use of public lands for our events and those like them and the need to stop requesting new permits or permits for events with greater impacts.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 59, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms, dive into Belongingness Theory. In this episode, the trio explores what it means to belong. Deeper than that, we discuss the importance of belonging and the many ways in which HPRS promotes and supports belonging within our series. Also discussed is Dunbar's Number, a concept that discusses how many meaningful connections each of us is able to make. A thought-provoking episode on the WHY.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 58, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott welcome our newest co-host, Megan Storms, to the program. In this episode, we get to know Megan, her life in general, her journey into trail and ultra, and her journey to HPRS. We discuss why she believes in the HPRS community. Then, the three dive into talking about a whole myriad of things in a witty, fun, and off-the-rail conversation.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 57 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix provides his data collection and analysis for ultramarathon running in 2024, and where the sport finds itself today. Less "address" and more conversation amongst friends, John highlights the triumphant year that ultra had and his reasons for being cautiously optimistic with the numbers and the earth-shattering struggles we're about to face with permitting.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 56, we welcome HPRS community member Jenna Carosio to talk about her life experiences and journey into running. In this episode we talk about Jenna's journey going from a collegiate soccer player, to roaming the world for 2 years, to her becoming a triathlete and ultra endurance athlete. We also discuss her journey from being a civil engineer to becoming an endurance coach for athletes of all abilities. A great episode with an inspiring woman, who has overcome a lot on her path to helping others overcome life's many challenges.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 55, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss fueling. A wide ranging conversation that talks about daily diets and fueling during the run. The conversation discusses electrolyte drinks, typical aid station foods, preparing your own foods in advance of a race, training with different foods in finding out what works, and so much more. A conversation that is as much fun as it is important.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 54, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott dive into trail etiquette. Who has the right of way on trails? What is it to be courteous and respectful of other trail users? What is accepted etiquette during a race? The conversation even features a short conversation on running with dogs and what to do if a dog and dog owner approach you on the trail. With a few other musings sprinkled in for flair, this is a not-to-be-missed episode of the newly rebooted HPRS podcast!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 53 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes new co-host Thomas Stott to the program. In this episode we get to know Tom, his life in general, his journey into trail and ultra, and his journey to HPRS. We discuss why he believes in the HPRS community. Then, the two dive into talking about Preparedness and how it is an integral part of your training in preparation for upcoming events, and life in general.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 52 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about the growth of our sport; specifically revisiting the concept of The Tragedy of the Commons and how the growth of our sport is contributing to race cannibalization and the struggles many race directors will soon face. 2025 is going to be an incredibly difficult year for race directors to acquire permits on USFS lands, as land managers will resort to culling the herd of races since no one seems to know when enough is enough. An important listen for the future health of the sport many of us love!