We’re back from Italy—and wow, we’ve got stories. In this episode, Zoë and TJ break down their race experience at the Chianti Castles UTMB 123K: from hitchhiking to the start line (with 90 seconds to spare), to navigating boar stew and charcuterie at aid stations, to running through medieval castles in the rain. This is our most chaotic and most fun race recap yet.

We cover:

• Why racing internationally is more than just running in a different country

• How we trained for this muddy, punchy, unexpectedly difficult course

• What happens when your parents are your crew (hint: love, chaos, success)

• Hot takes on golden ticket races, fueling with coffee, and wedding injuries

• Our “Start/Stop/Continue” reflections on what we’re carrying forward after this

This isn’t just a race recap — it’s a conversation about trusting your training, redefining your athlete identity, and remembering to make space for joy (and pasta) along the way.

• Microcosm Coaching: microcosm-coaching.com

• Got a weird aid station story or a castle-based race you love? Email us: [email protected]

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