Running with Problems

Bill Stahl: Running Travels & Giving Back

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0600

Correction to the intro: David Clark, founder of We Are Superman podcast died from complications from a spinal surgery.

Intro: Jon & Miranda trade stories from a chaotic week where training, race work and a scary emergency vet visit collide. We are then introduce guest, Bill Stahl and chat about a wide-range of topics with from endurance, service, and seeing the world on foot. Bill takes us from old-school Leadville to run travel mishaps, and then into the mission behind American Heroes Run and We Are Superman podcast.
• Bill’s early running years with minimal gear and zero internet guidance
• Leadville then versus now, from tiny fields to packed courses
• Runcations as a way to travel, explore and stay consistent
• Safety, risk and reality when running in unfamiliar places
• Copper Canyon, the Tarahumara and what ultrarunning history feels like up close
• American Heroes Run format, 9/11 symbolism and “patriotism without politics”
• Navigating injuries, surgery, rehab and stubborn hope
• Keeping David Clark’s legacy alive through We Are Superman and a new book project
• Coaching high school cross-country and watching kids become lifelong runners
• How ultrarunning has diversified across gender, body type and background

You can find more about Bill:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-are-superman/id1244973869

https://www.youtube.com/@BillStahl

Thanks for listening to Running With Problems. Follow us on Instagram @runningwithproblems. DM us there with questions in text or audio messages! Or email us at podcast@runningwithproblems.run.

Hosted by Jon Eisen (@mildly_athletic) and Miranda Williamson (@peaksandjustice). Edited by Jon Eisen. Theme music by Matt Beer.

Christine Reed: Running with POTS

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0600

We sit down with Christine Reed to talk honestly about running with POTS, from the shock of seeing sky high heart rate data to the grief and relief that comes with finally getting a name for years of symptoms. We dig into what actually helps on run day and in real life, plus the harder question of where ambition ends and self care begins.

• what POTS and dysautonomia feel like during easy running
• using watch data to spot patterns and advocate for yourself
• the emotional whiplash of diagnosis, validation and grief
• hydration, electrolytes and salt as daily foundations
• compression and legs-up recovery as practical tools
• flares, fatigue and brain fog, plus the cost of pushing through
• digestive issues, inflammation triggers and experimenting with food
• deciding what kind of suffering is worth it on trails
• the Taos Traverse story and the dangers of technical terrain

You can find Christine on:

Substack: Christine Reed | Substack
Instagram: instagram.com/ruggedoutdoorswoman
Tiktok: tiktok.com/ruggedoutdoorswoman
Website: ruggedoutdoorswoman.com

Andrea Kooiman: From First Marathon to Badwater

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0600

We talk with Andrea Kooiman (Coachk) about how a self-described everyday mom becomes a prolific ultrarunner while keeping the sport joyful, social, and grounded. The conversation moves from coaching kids to her first marathon to chasing Badwater and Barkley, with real talk on setbacks, nausea, and the mindset that keeps you moving forward.
• we kick off this episode with corrections and listener feedback on the last episode on the doping debacle
• Andrea’s running origin story and the run club social glue that makes connection easier
• coaching middle schoolers to their first marathon and building a long-running nonprofit program
• the marathon-to-ultra progression and how community makes big distances feel possible
• a “unicorn” Vermont 100 during a Grand Slam year and what clicks when everything aligns
• signing up for a first 100 with minimal lead time and learning cutoff rules mid-race
• chasing Badwater 135, stacking qualifiers and learning from DNFs through better problem solving
• Barkley Marathons training realities, navigation stress and why obsession is part of the entry cost
• knowing when to step back from a goal while still supporting the community around it

You can hit us up at running with problems on Instagram or podcast@runningwithproblems.run

Hot Take: Hanes & Canaday Doping Debacle Explained

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0600

An Instagram exchange regarding illegal substances turns into a full-blown running controversy. Jon & Miranda unpack the Cameron Hanes vs Sage Canaday doping debacle, including the exact exchange that set off the “runternet” and why the reaction raises interesting conversations about running culture, fairness, and rules.

We walk through who Hanes is as a bow hunter turned endurance influencer, how his “keep hammering” brand fits into ultrarunning, and why Sage Canaday’s clean-sport stance makes him quick to ask the uncomfortable question: would this performance pass a WADA/USADA test? From there, we dig into BPC-157, the peptide at the center of the argument. What is it claimed to do for injury recovery and healing? Why is it banned? And why do anti-doping rules treat recovery as a form of performance enhancement in endurance sports?

Then we zoom out to the real heart of it: competitive integrity. Does fairness only matter for the top three, or does it matter for every age group award and every person? We talk WADA vs USADA, inconsistent testing, the growing pressure to enforce rules as trail running gets bigger, and the strange role of whistleblowers in a sport that still wants to see itself as gritty and “above” bureaucracy. If you’ve ever wondered where supplements end and PEDs begin, or what “clean running” even means anymore, this conversation will challenge you.

If this hot take lands with you, share it with a running friend, subscribe, and leave a review. Where do you draw the line between health choices, banned substances, and fair competition?

References:

https://marathonhandbook.com/sage-canaday-reports-cam-hanes-to-usada-after-58-year-olds-239-eugene-marathon/
https://www.opss.org/article/bpc-157-prohibited-peptide-and-unapproved-drug-found-health-and-wellness-products
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34324435/
https://www.usada.org/athlete-advisory/key-changes-2022-prohibited-list/
https://naturadermatology.com/is-bpc-157-legal/
https://www.wada-ama.org/en/news/wadas-2022-prohibited-list-now-force
https://brobible.com/sports/article/cameron-hanes-addresses-sage-canaday-cancel-him-peptides-after-cocodona-250-running/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12446177/
https://cameronhanes.com/pages/sponsors
https://run.outsideonline.com/nutrition-and-health/general-health/cam-hanes-bcp-157-and-the-gray-zone-of-banned-substances-in-recreational-running/

John Kelly: Barkley Lessons & Redefining Suffering

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 -0600

Jon & Miranda sit down with John Kelly to talk about what Barkley Marathons success really teaches you about motivation, planning, and making peace with outcomes you cannot control. We also go deep on his Appalachian Trail record attempt for Hurricane Helene recovery, how his leg stopped functioning near the end, and how he rebuilt confidence as Western States draws near.
• his evolving role at Barkley from rookie to veteran
• fame inside a niche sport and why intrinsic motivation matters more than attention
• supported FKTs and how crew commitment becomes a powerful reason to keep moving
• Appalachian Trail fundraiser for Hurricane Helene recovery and the mindset tools he used day to day
• the final day of the AT and the forced end of the adventure when his foot would not respond and long-term health became the concern
• rehab reality after a failed attempt, from MRIs to nerve entrapment theories to targeted strength work
• Western States pacing strategy, chase-pack patience and high-carb fueling at higher intensity
• Tour de Géants as the race he loves that doesn't love him back
• redefining suffering as voluntary artificial adversity and why it builds resilience for real crises

Learn more about John's adventures: https://randomforestrunner.com/

Mike Miles: Running, Leadership, and Balance

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Intro: This week’s guest is Mike Miles discussing what endurance sports can teach us about who we are and how we lead. With leadership coach and trail runner Mike, we trade DNF stories, dig into purpose and preparation, and make the case that balance is a real competitive advantage.
This episode’s topics include:
• leaving a big career and rebuilding identity through hard goals
• road running versus trail running and why traditions matter
• the Seattle Marathon meltdown and the “read the fine print” lesson
• Tiger Claw strategy, cutoffs, and training specificity
• DNFs and time cuts as feedback rather than failure
• using long runs to solve leadership and business problems
• the power of a clear “why” for resilience in sport and startups
• endurance events as family bonding and a shared purpose
• discomfort as training for leadership challenges
• why work-life balance improves EQ, judgement, and performance

Learn more about Mike’s work as a couch on his website: https://milestone-leadership1.squarespace.com/

Mitch Dulleck: The Iditarod 350 Stories Continue

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Jon and Miranda check in sharing stories from crewing the eerie Badwater Salton Sea 81-mile team race, then shift into the brutal pull of Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Invitational. Mitch Dulleck walks us through training, gear, food, and the moment he chooses safety over the finish during a stormy ITI 350 attempt.

• Why extreme events become a way to prove you belong
• What makes ITI different from most ultramarathons
• Training in Leadville for cold weather and pulling a sled
• The “do not sweat” rule and how it shapes pacing
• Hydration and water-freezing problems in subzero temps
• Food choices that still work when frozen
• Navigation decisions on an unmarked course using GPX
• Finger Lake wind, ground blizzards, and frostbite triage
• Rainy Pass risk and the mental weight of rescue stories
• Turning back as a deliberate safety decision and planning the return

Hit us up at runningwithproblems.run or on Instagram. Please send any episode requests, something you want to learn about, a conversation you’d like us to have, and we’ll look into guests to have that conversation.

JC Returns: 350 Mile Iditarod Invitational

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0600

For John Clark’s (JC) full bio revisit season 3 episode 4: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437656/episodes/16363345

We sit down with JC to unpack his first winter ultramarathon finish at the Iditarod Trail Invitational 350, where dragging a gear sled through Alaska’s deep cold turns basic tasks like eating and navigation into real risk. We also talk through the behind-the-scenes prep, the gear, and the small decisions that add up over ten relentless days.

• what makes the Iditarod Trail Invitational so dangerous and so compelling
• hauling a 50 to 55 pound sled across lakes, rivers, and mountain passes
• gear failures leading to frostbite
• how the ITI qualifier camp teaches wet-gear survival and vapor barriers
• gear iteration under extreme cold including sleeping systems and face coverage
• early navigation mistakes and why staying on the packed route matters
• Rainy Pass rescues and the winter ultra culture of helping others
• the mental grind after the pass with long gaps between aid and sleep
• the final push with shiver bivies and trail naps
• what JC would change before trying the race again

If you want to check out some frostbite, go to our Instagram.

Look for another episode on this epic event dropping next week.

Andrea Feucht: Long COVID Recovery and Coming Back

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600

We talk with Andrea Feucht about long COVID in endurance athletes and why you can look fine, keep racing, and still be nowhere near healthy. We compare relapse stories, data signals, and the hard lesson that rest and a slow return may be the only choice available to athletes.

• why long COVID can look like “just getting slower” in runners
• the emotional cost of being told you look fine
• how athletes notice subtle post-viral changes first
• using Strava exports and heart rate trends to validate decline
• why HRV and heart rate zones can mislead during illness
• Andrea’s symptom set including chest tightness, GI issues, and circulation changes
• radical rest, vagus nerve breathing, journaling, and cautious hiking as recovery tools
• relapse after a later virus and the fear of pushing too hard
• why traditional medicine often offers reassurance without clear treatment
• Jon’s overlapping sinus infection and the value of ruling out fixable problems
• Andrea's advice: making room for awe as a stabilising life practice

Michael Morrison is Back: Prevent, Treat, and Recover from Tendinopathy

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0600

Michael Morrison from Red Hammer Rehab is back on the pod to discuss all things tendinopathy.

• tendinopathy explained as a continuum from reactive to degenerative
• common sites in runners including Achilles, patellar, and gluteal tendons
• pain scale rules to guide training and rehab load
• isometrics for fast pain relief and deshielding of lazy fibers
• slow heavy strength with tempo reps and reps in reserve
• soleus versus gastroc loading and why knee angle matters
• plyometrics for energy storage and release capacity
• MEDS ecosystem: stress, sleep, diet, and programming load
• collagen plus vitamin C timing, hydration, and protein targets
• neural mapping, external cues, and variable drills for durable form
• reminder to use PT for maintenance, not only emergencies

Thank y'all for your patience in waiting for this episode, and we will get back on the horse recording more episodes for y'all.

Katie Grossman: On Fighting to Return to Running Postpartum

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0700

We open with life updates and stress, then welcome Katie Grossman to share a raw, relentless story about postpartum complications, medical gaslighting, a rare tumor, and the long road to a labral tear diagnosis and surgery. The goal shifts from podiums to presence, from finish lines to finding flow and community again.

• why Katie’s story matters to the ultra community
• we met Katie crewing at Utah 115
• Katie's early ultras, Havelina chaos and learning the hard way
• the magic of hundreds and the mid-race flow
• Hardrock dreams, Kroger’s Canteen and belonging
• pregnancy hip snap and years of dismissal
• emergency C-section and abandoned postpartum care
• rare sarcoma, multiple surgeries and core reconstruction
• “you’re not worth fixing” and finding the right surgeon
• labral tear surgery, patient advocacy and recovery truth
• redefining success with a coach and consistency
• voluntary pain versus chronic injury pain
• birth shame, a healing second delivery and perspective
• running for her daughters, skiing and learning new skills

Dave Scheibel: An Ultrarunner’s Wake-Up Call On Overtraining

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700

We talk with Dave about the slow, messy slide into overtraining syndrome, the missteps that worsened it, and the practical tools that brought him back to strong, sustainable running. Along the way, we share a content warning about a graphic post-credits medical story and explain why health metrics and honest pacing matter.

• Catalina 50-mile recap and the mental game on long grinds
• What overtraining syndrome is and why tests look normal
• Early flags: insomnia, excess sweat, dizziness, migraines
• Diagnosis by exclusion and the limits of quick fixes
• Hormones, low testosterone, mood changes and trade-offs
• Gut findings: H. pylori, candida and systemic stress
• Returning via true easy training, vert, and HRV trends
• Using rest, fueling, and life stress management
• Why “listen to your body” is a performance skill
• Publishing the OTS case series and shared patterns

After we say bye, stay for the post-credits story. Trigger warning: blood, injury, intense medical condition, male sexual organs. Dave shares a personal story and has a few notes: "Sharing and laughing about the experience has given me a sense of control over it, and sharing it more broadly feels like a continuation of that. A penile fracture isn’t all that uncommon, but it’s rarely talked about—probably out of shame or embarrassment. My hope is that sharing my story could help others. Maybe runners will be a little more cautious with OTS too!"

Check out the article on OTS we referenced in the episode: LINK TO FULL ARTICLE

2025 Year End Recap

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0700

John Castle: From Borderline Diabetic To Podium OCR

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0700

A single photo can flip your life. That’s where John Castle’s story begins—49 years old, 45 pounds heavier, borderline diabetic, and staring at a version of himself he didn’t want to keep. Fast forward to today and John is a force in obstacle course racing, stacking Spartan Ultras, conquering World’s Toughest Mudder, and chasing Barkley dreams with an approach built on simplicity, routine, and a ruthless mindset.

We dig into the craft behind his late-career rise. John lays out his daily hill—900 feet from his front door to the county high point—and how he threads running with functional strength: burpees at half-mile marks, rock carries, rope climbs, pull-ups in the woods, and box jumps on a cable spool. He explains why he quit the gym, modeled training after top OCR athletes, and switched to high-rep bodyweight work that solved decades-old knee pain and sharpened his grip, durability, and efficiency.

Race day strategy gets real. John talks pacing a 50K with 60 to 70 obstacles, keeping his heart rate honest, and using transitions to refuel without ego. He shares what didn’t work (carb loading) and what did (beet juice, steady hydration, clean habits). We unpack the art of not quitting: finishing a lap with a fractured finger, course-finding at the Barkley Fall Classic by reading footprints in mud, and staying composed when fatigue blurs judgment. His take on aging is refreshing—best fitness at 58, faster times through consistency, and zero interest in shrinking goals.

If you need a shove to recommit or a template to rebuild, this conversation delivers practical, repeatable ideas: build a route you can start daily, align training with your event, keep the work simple, and let consistency do the heavy lifting. Listen, then tell us the one habit you’ll change this week. Subscribe, share with a training partner, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Mark Marzen: Coaching and The Long Road Of Getting Faster

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:00:00 -0700

We’re excited to share Mark Marzen’s story with yall. Mark has been Jon’s running coach for almost two years. His story is inspiring, choosing running, learning to coach, and slowly improving to become a fast mountain ultra runner.

Check out https://www.golden-endurance.com/ for coaching and PT.

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Ready for a true glow-up story from mid-pack grit to mastery? We sit down with coach and ultrarunner Mark Marzen to trace how a messy early chapter—late nights, little structure—gave way to a decade of deliberate training, smarter fueling, and better movement that culminated in a 100-mile finish in 15 hours and change. That milestone isn’t just a time; it’s proof that consistency, context, and community can transform a life one season at a time.

Mark rewinds to the days before GPS watches and Strava, when finding trails meant mailing lists and mentors. He shares the hard lessons from his first 50 and 100—blisters, IT band blowups, and midnight hallucinations—and how those setbacks shaped his coaching philosophy: the best plan accounts for your whole life, not just your splits.

As a coach with Golden Endurance, Mark supports athletes across the spectrum, from brand-new 5K hopefuls to podium chasers. We break down how to choose a coach you click with, why communication is the true training multiplier, and where tools like AI fall short without human context. You’ll hear candid talk about burnout, post-race blues, and the mindset shift from chasing highs to building a long-term identity as a runner. Plus, a recovery ritual we fully endorse: donut week.

If you’re navigating winter motivation, planning your next ultra, or debating whether coaching is worth it, this conversation offers practical guidance and grounded inspiration. Subscribe, share with a running friend, and leave a quick rating to help more athletes find the show. What’s the next brick you’ll lay this season?

Camille Herron On Records, Neurodiversity, And Reform In Ultra Running

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0700

We're so excited to share this interview with Camille Herron with you! Camille was open and honest exploring her history, neurodiversity, and advocacy in ultra running. We hope you enjoy!

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Start with the headlines—world records, world titles, six-day brilliance—and you might miss the real story: how Camille Herron rebuilt elite performance by honoring her body, her brain, and her boundaries. We sit down with Camille for a candid conversation that moves from Oklahoma wheat fields to global podiums, and into the often-invisible realities of neurodiversity in endurance sport.

Camille unpacks the science behind her durability, from high-frequency doubles that protect bone health to the squat rack that finally fixed a stubborn hamstring chain. She shares how targeted bloodwork revealed high iron during perimenopause—fatigue that felt like anemia but wasn’t—and the protocol changes that brought her energy back. Those hard-won lessons translate into clear, actionable insights for runners navigating injury cycles, hormonal shifts, and the pressure to do “more” when smart adaptation does better.

We also go deep on advocacy. After an adult diagnosis of autism and ADHD, Camille asked for a simple accommodation at a 24-hour world championship: a quieter, non-enclosed aid space. The system wasn’t ready. She chose not to race without assurances and, in doing so, modeled what many athletes need to see—boundaries as performance tools, not a lack of toughness. We talk about practical steps race directors can take, from disability categories and transparent aid-station info to designated sensory-friendly areas that help neurodivergent runners compete at their best.

Along the way, Camille reflects on the professionalization of ultrarunning, the reality of online bullying, and how to protect integrity when attention turns messy. The throughline is powerful: excellence grows when we make room for difference. If you care about inclusive races, smart training, and sustaining a career you can be proud of, this one will stay with you.

If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more runners find the show.

Chasing Limits With Epic Bill Bradley

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Join us as we discuss the life and adventures of Epic Bill Bradley, an incredible story of perseverance and pushing ones limits. Epic Bill has done some of the hardest adventures on this planet, including a triple Ironman, quad Badwater, and so much more. We only scratch the surface of Bill's stories. Hope you enjoy!

You can find Bill's film (referenced in the pod) on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. We recommend a watch. Enjoy!

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Start with a slow jog through Boulder—flat miles, farm-stand honey, and training chatter—then pivot into a full-on masterclass in grit with Epic Bill Bradley. Bill built a $10M video business, went bankrupt, lost his identity, woke up at 3 a.m. with poison oak, and ran a 50 miler to feel human again. That decision launches a story that fuses ultrarunning, cold-water swimming, and entrepreneurship into one relentless throughline: choose hard things on purpose.

We go deep on Badwater’s furnace—real heat management, tarmac radiation, crew strategy, and the dangers of overhydration. Then we flip to Arrowhead’s brutal cold: negative thirty-five nights, frozen hands in “California gloves,” empty checkpoints in the dark, and the stubborn pride of showing up again and again. Bill’s attempts stack into a philosophy: if it can’t kill you, it’ll bore me. Under the bravado lives a practical ethic—boredom breeds depression, challenge restores meaning.

Bill draws sharp parallels between building companies and running ultras: uncertain timelines, lonely stretches, and the discipline to keep moving when the finish line disappears. His English Channel quests read like a survival manual—boat pilots, tide windows, seasickness, and the harsh moment a “four miles to go” sign becomes “seven” after a storm pushes him off the point. We unpack gear evolution, blister triage, trench foot swelling, and how twenty minutes of motion can make pain manageable. The Grand Canyon septuple crossing, done only because someone else did six, underscores a simple loop: set the goal, stretch it, learn, repeat.

What’s next for Bill? A six-minute mile after 25 years, an eye on 200 milers, a Santa Barbara Channel swim, and another shot at the English Channel with smarter tactics. It’s raw, funny, and deeply useful—whether you’re chasing a PR, a start-up milestone, or the courage to take a dream off the shelf. If you’re ready to rethink your limits, press play, then share the hardest thing you’re willing to attempt this year. And if the conversation moves you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to a friend who needs a push.

Pete Kostelnick - Running Across America, Mind And Miles

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Join our discussion with Pete Kostelnick, Trans-continental record holder, multiple Badwater finisher, Team USA representative at the IAU 24-hour world championships, and so much more. We dive into what it takes to run these multi-day and multi-week efforts, his recent car accident recovery, and fun stories from out on the trail (or road). Enjoy!

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What if your body could learn to run 50 miles a day and get stronger after week two? We kick off with our Boulder Skyline project updates, then sit down with transcontinental record holder Pete Kostelnik to explore the craft of going very far, very long. From the hot, dry logic of Badwater to the humid grind that slowly cooks you, Pete breaks down heat strategy, pacing, and why some environments quietly win the war.

Pete’s story arcs from a beer-fueled 40-miler to a 100 in the Ozarks, a chance encounter with Marshall Ulrich’s book, and ultimately the decision to run coast to coast. He explains how the first 7–14 days of a transcon feel like a revolt before the body adapts, recovery speeds up, and durability rises. We dive into the Alaska-to-Florida traverse: choosing a stroller that can be serviced on the road, swapping tires mid-run, scrounging calories in remote towns, and staying alive on narrow shoulders while phones glow behind windshields. The surprise isn’t the danger—it’s how kind people are when you meet them face to face.

We also talk about why Badwater keeps calling: the crew every ten minutes, the transformation from individual race to true team effort, and the austere beauty of Death Valley to the Sierra. Then everything turns: a high-speed crash shatters Pete’s pelvis. He rebuilds with patience, PT, and a new respect for load, hikes most of Cocodona, and returns to Leadville to close the loop—with a sub-25 buckle. Now it’s on to the World 24-Hour Championships, where miles stack into team medals and 160-plus becomes the target. The theme running through every segment is practical resilience: start by getting out the door, let consistency carry you, and solve small problems before they become big ones.

If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a quick review so more runners can find the show.

Midpacker Podcast: First DNF and Failing Forward with Troy Meadows

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0600

Jon Eisen guest-hosts the Midpacker podcast with full-time host Troy Meadows discussing Troy's first DNF at the Dark Divide 100. Cross-posted on the Midpacker Podcast feed. Check out Troy's Midpacker Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

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Three volcanoes on the horizon. Volcanic ash underfoot. Twenty-six miles of wilderness with almost no help. We teamed up with Troy Meadows of the Mid-Packer Pod for a raw, unfiltered look at the Dark Divide 100—one finish in 39:20 and one DNF at mile 52, both packed with hard-won lessons you can actually use.

We start with the pre-race curveballs: a late briefing, self check-in, and a course built on dirt bike trails that trade tidy switchbacks for deep ruts and loose rock. The opening ridgeline delivers a dream panorama—St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier sliding in and out of haze—and a reminder to keep ego out of the first climb. Then the course bares its teeth. The wilderness segment stretches for 26 miles between full aid, heat rises, humidity clamps down, and the trickle you hoped to filter isn’t enough. A fragile stomach becomes a full spiral: rationed sips, dry heaves, dirt naps, and the slowest ten miles of the day. At Snagtooth, we talk triage—cold spring water, walking tamales, naps, and time math—and the moment you decide if you’re still committed to a 48-hour cutoff.

On the flip side, we break down the steady path to a buckle: conservative pacing, one short sleep that flips a switch, relentless forward progress through day-two sun, and a near-disaster when skipping the final aid station almost torpedoes the finish. Expect practical strategy, not platitudes: alternate textures and flavors for nutrition, carry extra sodium, take caffeine when you wake, soak layers at every real water source, and script decision points before you’re exhausted. We also get personal about pressure, relationships, and why the conversation you have at home can shape the one you have with yourself at mile 80.

If you love real talk about ultra strategy, heat management, and the mental game of back-half survival, this one’s for you. Listen, share with a mid-pack friend who needs it, and tell us: where’s your crux, and what’s your plan B? Subscribe, leave a review, and drop your biggest Dark Divide takeaway—we’ll feature our favorites next week.

Amelia Boone - Enjoying the Journey

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Join our all-encompassing discussion with World Champion OCR Racer Amelia Boone. We discuss everything from writing, where to run in Cupertino, CA, experiences at Barkley, her High Lonesome 100 finish and resulting injury, recovery from eating disorders, and her feelings on not having children. It was a powerful, honest, and open discussion that Jon loves to showcase on the podcast. Hope y'all enjoy!

Check out Amelia's Substack.

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A world champion who won’t hide the mess—that’s why this conversation with Amelia Boone hits so hard. We start with the light stuff—Pikes Peak crowds, race-directing curveballs, and the kind of trail etiquette that makes you laugh later—and then move into the stories that define a life in motion. Amelia brings sharp insight on writing and why useful race reports still matter, the pivot from obstacle racing to ultras, and what happens when early success meets lessons your bones won’t let you ignore.

From High Lonesome’s “fall in front of the photographer” moment to finding out later it was a patella fracture, Amelia talks through risk management, fueling choices at altitude, and the unglamorous truth of hypothermia prevention: taped seams, gloves, and respecting the weather. We head into the fog of Barkley, where briars, cliffs, and veterans’ wisdom matter more than any GPS track. The mystique isn’t an accident—it’s the point—and the community around the campfire is as real as the miles.

The heart of the episode is honesty. Amelia shares why she spoke publicly about her eating disorder, what recovery looks like in daily practice, and how ultrarunning can become a healthier exchange—fueling for function, choosing presence over perfection, and refusing to let a calorie calculator run your life. We also talk about the layered grief of not having children, the space between binary labels, and how to build meaning through mentorship, community, and showing up for others. The takeaway is simple and hard: stop gripping so tight to outcomes, take care of your body, and savor the moments that last—like singing down a final descent with someone you love.

If this conversation moved you, follow, share with a friend, and leave a review. Tell us what lesson you’re taking to your next long run—we’re reading every word.

The Runcations Episode, featuring Tour du Mont Blanc

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Join Miranda and Jon as they discuss Run-cations (a portmanteau of Run and Vacation!) and Miranda's recent experience running the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Links:

More than Miles: Why Runcations are a Rising Travel Trend article on Outside
Eric Lee's Blog on Adventures and National Park Runs

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Miranda and Jon dive into the world of "runcations" – vacations centered around running adventures – sharing experiences from Tour de Mont Blanc and discussing what makes these journeys both challenging and transformative.

• Runcations can take many forms: destination races, multi-day trail adventures, national park runs
• Different styles suit different runners – from luxury accommodations to more rugged experiences
• Community and shared experiences are central to what makes runcations special
• The Tour de Mont Blanc crosses through France, Italy, and Switzerland with distinct cultural experiences in each
• Running through multiple countries allows you to experience dramatic differences in trail marking, food, and architecture
• Finding balance between challenge and enjoyment is key – it's not about racing but experiencing
• Technical skills like downhill running may require practice before tackling alpine trails
• Flexibility matters – sometimes taking a gondola or shuttle enhances rather than diminishes the experience
• Proper fueling becomes crucial when running multiple big days back-to-back
• Switzerland has the best homemade ice cream and the most whimsical trail decorations

Find a group of people who you want to spend four or five days with running. Plan a runcation. Make it happen. You won't regret it. Be open to the experience, be open to how it changes you and how it shapes you, and enjoy the journey.

Redemption on the LA Freeway - Aaron Lozier

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Join us as we chat with Aaron Lozier, who comes back to the podcast after attempting the LA Freeway for the second time. Last time, he had to be rescued via helicopter. Listen in to hear how the second attempt goes.

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After being dramatically rescued from the LA Freeway last year, Aaron Lozier returns to share his redemption story on one of Colorado's most formidable mountain challenges. The LA Freeway isn't a highway in Los Angeles—it's a brutal 35-mile technical traverse connecting Longs Peak to Arapaho Peak across at least 19 summits, featuring exposed ridgelines and class five climbing sections.

Aaron takes us through his year-long journey from failure to success, detailing how he processed the shame of rescue and rebuilt his approach through extensive scouting trips and mindset work. His story reveals profound lessons about preparation, as he meticulously studied routes, developed personal rules like "if you find yourself on unexpected fifth-class terrain, you're off route," and assembled the perfect three-person team for his second attempt.

The expedition itself unfolds like a thriller, from strong early progress to hallucinations and near-breakdowns during the 36-hour journey. Aaron candidly shares moments of doubt when facing technical sections in darkness ("at night, it's an abyss"), water challenges solved by his teammate's brilliant syringe innovation, and the infamous "jump" section that everyone mysteriously forgets exists. His vulnerability in describing mental struggles brings us directly onto those exposed ridgelines alongside him.

What makes this story truly special is Aaron's evolved perspective on achievement. Rather than focusing on proving critics wrong, he embraced "proving people right"—honoring those who believed in him. This shift transformed his experience from personal redemption into shared accomplishment, creating a powerful framework for approaching our own challenges.

Listen now to experience this remarkable comeback story that will inspire your own relationship with failure, preparation, and the mountains that call to us despite their difficulties.

Jon Rea's Ambitious Journey

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Jon Rea joins Miranda and Jon for an honest and open conversation about the problems he's encountered along his journey to become a pro runner.

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Elite ultrarunner Jon Ray takes us on an emotional journey through triumph and devastating setbacks in this raw, honest conversation about the mental side of competitive running.

After methodically building his ultrarunning career to achieve a top-10 finish at Western States, Ray faced a brutal sequence of injuries that derailed his 2023 season. Rather than hiding behind easy platitudes, he opens up about the psychological toll of these setbacks—from the shock of a sudden ankle sprain at Gorge Waterfalls to the crushing disappointment of a stress fracture diagnosis that sidelined him during a carefully planned sabbatical dedicated to training.

The conversation dives deep into the psychology of competitive running, exploring how Ray made intentional decisions to increase his investment in the sport over time. His reflections on internal versus external motivation reveal profound insights about what drives elite performance: "The amount of effort you can put in is different if you're going for first place than if you're going for 38th place," he notes, highlighting how competitive context shapes our capacity for suffering.

Perhaps most valuable is Ray's discussion of injury processing techniques developed with his sports psychologist. By mentally revisiting traumatic moments and analyzing decisions without self-judgment, he's found a path toward acceptance rather than bitterness. His current approach of "no forecasting"—avoiding negative projections about his running future while facing potential career-threatening complications—offers wisdom for anyone navigating uncertain recovery.

Ready for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to pursue running at the highest level? Listen now and discover why Jon's parting advice—"Don't take too much advice from other people. Do your own independent thinking"—might be the most important lesson for your own running journey.

Michael Morrison PT, DPT - Strength Training with some PEACE and LOVE

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Michael Morrison PT, DPT of Red Hammer Rehab returns to continue the conversation about Strength Training that we started in January. We also cover the absolutely critical PEACE and LOVE tool for healing soft tissue injuries.

Jon solo's the intro today as Miranda is off to run Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Miranda's First 100 Miler at High Lonesome 100

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Miranda's back to recap her first 100 miler experience at High Lonesome 100. Her performance was incredible, and we hope you enjoy listening to the recap!

Jeffrey Binney - Once is Enough

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Jeffrey Binney is the director, producer, and subject of Once is Enough (Amazon, YouTube), an amazing independent running documentary about Jeffrey's journey from obesity to 100 mile ultra running. It is personally one of Jon and Miranda's favorite running films. We also talk about Jeffrey's life since Once is Enough, shopping his new book idea, and all the shenanigans out on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Important: We talk spoilers in this episode, so we encourage you to watch the documentary before listening to this episode.

Miranda Williamson - Setting Intentions on San Juan Solstice

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Host of the podcast, Miranda Williamson details her San Juan Solstice 50 Miler experience. We discuss how setting intentions leads to how you experience the event. Jon, who crewed and paced Miranda, discusses the things he does to be a good pacer.

John Calabrese - Breaking up in a Run Group

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0600

John has recently gone through a breakup within his run community, the loss of a good friend, and a dreaded running injury. All of this led him to us to share his story and hopefully provide some comfort.

Show Notes:

If you or someone you know is having trouble with addiction, please consider taking the AA Self-Assessment.
The Badwater documentary we reference in the episode is Running on the Sun.

Utah 115 Recap with host Jon Eisen

Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Jon Eisen, co-host of this podcast, recaps his experience at the Utah 115 race, presented by Grand to Grand Ultra. It was difficult, sandy, and monotonous race. Jon is open and emotional about the recent experience and we hope y'all will enjoy.

Jon's full Race Report is ready on his blog
Jon heard about this race on the Between Two Pines Podcast
Jessica Turner's podcast mentioned in the episode is The Endurance Studio

Pre-Race Anxiety (Bonus Episode)

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 -0600

Miranda and Jon delve into their history and current experience of pre-race anxiety, filled with fun stories of mistakes made in the past. Jon is currently preparing to run Utah 115 in just a few days, so he's "in it" with the pre-race anxiety.

Show Notes:

Check out the article we read on the podcast over on Vert.Run: https://vert.run/how-to-calm-race-day-nerves-staying-cool-before-a-race/
It was written by Moisés "Moi" Jimenez, give him a follow @moises.jimenez

Wes Plate - Creating the Copper Kings 100 Miler in Montana

Fri, 09 May 2025 17:00:00 -0600

Join us as we chat with Wes Plate on his 200-miler exploits, such as his recent Arizona Monster 300 and current Cocadona 250 mile races, his YouTube channel of race recaps, and creating the new Copper Kings 100 in Butte, Montana.

Show Notes:

Follow Wes on Instagram @midpackelite
Check out Wes' YouTube Channel
Check out the Copper Kings 100

The microphone we used for Jon's voice seems to be broken as it sounds very swimmy. We're sorry about that and we'll be replacing it for next episode!

Nathan Marti - Arrowhead 135, Barkley Marathons, and Spartathlon

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Nathan Marti seeks the most extreme adventures from Arrowhead to the Barkley Marathons to Spartathlon. In this episode, we dive into his major adventures and discover what he finds out there on his various journeys. We also get a bit of a history lesson too.

Show Notes:

Check out Nathan's Blog: Long Run Ponderings
In the episode, we mention the Running on the Sun movie.

Eric Quallen - PhD in Difficult Endeavors

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Eric Quallen is a trans athlete, PhD scientist, and 200-mile specialist. Join us as we discuss his life in athletics, transition, and outlook on life. Follow Eric on Instagram.

Check out Front Range Dirt magazine, by Golden Endurance!

Rundown: Relationship to Running, Barkley Recap, and more!

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0600

In this "Problem Rundown" podcast, Miranda and Jon discuss a range of issues and articles:

Jon's recent chess tournament recap, the content everyone was waiting for. (Jon is now provisionally rated 1466 by the US Chess Federation.)
Barkley recap! We discuss the harder course and few fun run finishes this year as well as Laz transitioning the race to Carl. (Check out John Kelly's recap on Singletrack.)
Zoe Rom's great Valentines Day article about her love of running: "A Long Distance Relationship". Miranda and Jon discuss their relationship to running as well.
We discuss Michelino Sunseri's persecution by the US District Attorney for using an old trail in his Grand Teton FKT and how ridiculous it is. (Sign the petition to drop the charges!) Check out his deep dive on the Freetrail podcast.
Finally, we discuss Rajpaul Pannu's disqualification based on stack height at the USATF 100 Mile championship at Jackpot Ultras. His reaction was incredible.

Chris McBride - Diary of a Three Legged Dog

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0600

Chris McBride, accomplished mountain ultra runner, shares his recent recovery from serious back surgery and eventual finish at the IMTUF 100 merely 6 months after surgery. This is the story he is publishing in his new book Diary of a Three Legged Dog. Chris also shares his running story starting from his youth in Eastern Washington, discusses the year his family spent in Africa, and talks about the first years captaining Lost Wonder Hut aid station at High Lonesome 100.

Preorder Chris' new book Diary of a Three Legged Dog
Check out the Amazing Maasai Girls Project, which hosts a Global Run in October
Follow Chris on Instagram: @mcbridechristoph

Trans Gran Canaria Recap!

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Miranda and Jon recap their very recent experience at Trans Gran Canaria, a World Trail Major ultramarathon in the Canary Islands. Enjoy!

Audio note: This is recorded on a travel setup with poorer audio quality than normal; sorry about that.

More Soft Rock with Mackenzie Schumer

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Back by popular demand, we dive back into Miranda's Soft Rock adventure with her adventure partner Mackenzie Schumer (@mackhatter) and Mack's husband and crew of the adventure, Justin Cranford. We spare no details in covering this epic adventure, so you won't want to miss this one!

Charlotte Bowens - Conscious Gear and Deciding to Live

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:00:00 -0700

Meet Charlotte Bowens, founder and CEO of Conscious Gear. Hear her incredible story of how running helped her get healthy and recover from depression. Also, get the scoop on her gear company Conscious Gear, making the Vestapack, a first of its kind hydration pack designed for bigger bodies.

Show Notes:

Vote for Charlotte in the Entrepreneur of Impact awards!
Check out her socials: Instagram & Youtube
Read the article on her in Trail Runner / Outside.

Dr. Michael Morrison - How to find a good Physical Therapist

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Dr. Michael Morrison PT, DPT joins us to discuss a range of topics around physical therapy. In addition to his physical therapy work, Michael is also a run coach, strength coach, a husband, and father. Primarily, we focus on the question: How to find a good Physical Therapist for runners? Lots of nuggets in this one; I hope you enjoy! You can see Michael yourself at Red Hammer Rehab, which has easy online booking.

2024 Year End Recap + 2025 Goals

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0700

Miranda and Jon recap their 2024 runs, races, the podcast, and life!

Show Notes:
- Miranda’s 2025 Races: Transgrancanaria Advanced (50M), San Juan Solstice (50M), High Lonesome 100
- Jon’s 2025 Races: Transgrancanaria Classic (75M), Utah 115, NeverSummer 100K, Plain 100

Follow on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Designing the new RWP Logo with Illustrator Hannah Agosta

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:25:00 -0700

Hannah Agosta comes back to the podcast to discuss her life as an artist, career as an illustrator, and the process of designing the new Running With Problems Logo. We also take the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, mentioned in our last episode with Nickademus. Hannah was previously on Season 3 Episode 10: Sobriety and Running with Camille and Hannah, released June 11, 2024.

Show Notes:

Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannahadraws
Check out Hannah’s website: hannahagosta.com
The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale is a series of questions to identify the amount you identify as an athlete.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Nickademus De La Rosa - Coach, Athlete, Sports Psychologist

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 15:50:00 -0700

Nickademus De La Rosa is a pro athlete with Topo Athletic, has an MS in Sports & Performance Psychology, co-owns and coaches with Lightfoot Coaching, was the 13th finisher of the Barkley Marathons, and is just an all-around interesting guy. Join Jon and Miranda as we discuss with Nick his recent move to Canada, his many rescue pets and farm animals, resilience in running, athetic identity, and much more.

Show Notes:

Check out Lightfoot Coaching to train for your next big adventure. Nick and Jade are excellent coaches and will help you reach your goals.
The Athletic Identity Measurement Scale is a series of questions to identify the amount you identify as an athlete.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Amani on launching Sheer Love Rwanda

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0700

Alexis Amani Simbayobewe is an educator, nonprofit founder, and survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Join us as we learn about how he launched Sheer Love Rwanda to teach children about life and a little bit of running.

Show Notes:

Consider donating to Sheer Love Rwanda. Your donation goes a long way.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Sage Canaday and Sandi Nypaver - Life, Coaching, Running

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 12:56:00 -0700

Sage Canaday and Sandi Nypaver candidly share their story, navigating health setbacks and losing their home to continue to build their coaching and content businesses and pursoe their running goals.

Show Notes:

Check out Sage and Sandi’s coaching business: Higher Running
Check out Sage’s Youtube channel: VO2 Max Productions

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Becoming a Boulder Runner - Lauren Scherer and Kate Lysaught

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:33:00 -0600

Lauren and Kate join Miranda and Jon to discuss transitioning from traditional-style runners on the coasts to becoming true Boulder mountain runners. Lauren recently finished Run Rabbit Run 100 Miler (her first 100!) and Kate just finished Run Rabbit Run 50 Miler (her first 50!). We discuss a Business Insider article: “I regret moving to Boulder, Colorado. I thought I’d fit right in, but it was the loneliest two years of my life.”

In the check-in, Miranda and Jon recap some recent navigation running and orienteering they’ve been doing.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Scott Miller - Breakfast Club and Trail Ambitions

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:23:00 -0600

Scott Miller, leader of the Boulder Trail Running Breakfast Club and founder of the YouTube channel Trail Ambitions, joins us for a discussion about learning to become an mountain runner and starting a YouTube channel. Follow his content and enjoy!

In the check-in, Miranda recaps her experience at the Sawatch 50/50.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Hot Take: Camille Herron Wikipedia Editing Controversy

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:34:00 -0600

Miranda and Jon discuss the recent controversy surrounding Camille Herron (and her husband and coach, Connor Holt) involving wikipedia editing of multiple elite ultrarunners’ pages, as well as her own. The discussion ranges from money’s impact on Ultrarunning to emotional motivations for personal promotion.

We do not support bullying in any form. Our discussion is meant to focus on the larger issues and changes in ultrarunning, not to beat down on Camille or her husband. More resources at stopbullying.gov.

Show Notes:

Original article from runningmagazine.ca
Article on marathoner accused of cheating committing suicide
Ten Junk Miles Podcast with Camille Herron
- Ten Junk Miles Website Link
- Apple Podcasts Link

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.runor @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Aaron Lozier - Rescue on the LA Freeway

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 18:14:00 -0600

Aaron Lozier recaps his attempt (and rescue) of the infamous FKT route: The LA Freeway, a technical ridge traverse across the Continental Divide near Boulder, CO. Also in the episode, Miranda recaps her recent experience on the 4-day Soft Rock run across the San Juan mountains.

Show Notes:

Aaron’s book, Anti-Hero recaps his experience in the Anarchist movement of the 90s.
A Runner’s World Article on the Satan’s Minions Scrambling Club

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Samir Chopra - Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 12:41:00 -0600

Samir Chopra is a Professor, Writer, and Philosophical Counselor in Boulder, CO. He joins us to discuss anxiety, grief, and guilt, as well as their relationship to life, running, and our beliefs.

Show Notes:

Check out Samir’s counseling practice at samirchopra.com
Check out Samir’s book: Anxiety: A Philosophical Guide
A nice preamble to the book is his essay: The usefulness of dread
We mention the sci-fi apocalypse book: The Beach

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Nathan Kurz - Running the Western States 100 / Hardrock 100 Double

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 20:30:00 -0600

Nathan Kurz returns to recap his Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 double, both run in under two weeks! We don’t leave any detail out in this long recap with one of his crew members for Hardrock, our very own Jon. Nathan was our very first podcast guest from Episode 1.

Show Notes:

We mention the movie Unbreakable: The Western States 100 as inspiring Nathan to start applying.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Eric Lee - Finding your own adventure

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0600

Eric Lee discusses his life in running, his incredible National Parks project where he is attempting to run an ultra in every National Park, and generally, how he finds his own adventure. We also cover giving back to the community through trail work and race volunteering, as well as Eric’s completion of the Nolan’s 14 line.

Show Notes:

Check out Eric’s Blog, where he writes the reports about his National Parks project.
Follow Eric on Instagram at @mtnrunner_elee
Read Outside’s controversial article Trail Runners are Lazy Parasites

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Check-in: A difficult year and Jon's High Lonesome 100

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0600

In this emotional episode, Miranda and Jon both discuss their difficult year to date, and Jon recaps his High Lonesome 100 finish.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Brendan Leonard - Author, Illustrator, Ultra Something

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:30:00 -0600

Join us as we chat with Brendan Leonard, aka semi-rad, on his life, running, and his new book, Ultra Something. Jon just read it and really enjoyed it.

Show Notes:

Buy Ultra Something at your local book store!
Check out semi-rad.com and join the Newsletter!
Follow @semi_rad on Instagram

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Milestone Running - The Story with Founders Greg Lemon and Chad Crawford

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

A conversation with the founders of Milestone Running, Greg Lemon (@glemon09) and Chad Crawford, who founded the most popular running store in San Diego. Collin Spink joins us as guest host with perma-host Miranda Williamson (@moderately_athletic).

Show Notes:

Check Out Milestone Running (website, instagram), or join them for the very popular Wednesday night run at 6:15 from their original North Park store.
Juntos Shoes was discussed in the episode.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Spring Energy Debacle with Pro Food Scientist Kelsey Banaszynski

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0600

We discuss the Spring Energy Debacle with Professional Food Scientist Kelsey Banaszynski, who is also the Operations Director for the High Lonesome 100 and a 100-mile finisher herself. She lives in Buena Vista, CO and currently works for Campbell Soup Company.

Spring Energy has recently come under scrutiny for the validity of their nutritional claims on their products. In the episode, we recap the factual findings and discuss how this could have happened at Spring, how Spring should and can respond, and discuss how we should move forward to build trust not just in Spring, but in the whole running nutrition industry. We also reject some of the more toxic drama that is associated with this story.

For more info check out:

Original reddit post by u/sriirachamayo
iRunFar article covering the story
German Trail Running Media article covering the story
Spring’s Official Apology on Instagram
KoopCast Episode #226 on Spring Energy - Nutrition Integrity and Transparency (Apple Podcasts Link)
GoFundMe by Brayden Burgess to analyze multiple nutrition companies
SQF and BRC food company certification article
Jason Koops’s Spring analysis reports (scroll down)

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.runor @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Sobriety and Running with Camille and Hannah

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0600

Before the episode, Jon recaps his San Diego 100 experience (race report). On the episode, we interview our friends Hannah and Camille on their alcoholism, journey to sobriety, recovery, and all of that’s relationship to running and ultrarunning.

If you or someone you know is having trouble with addiction, please consider taking the AA Self-Assessment.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Check-in: Niwot's Recap and Listener Questions

Fri, 31 May 2024 12:00:00 -0600

On this check-in episode with Miranda and Jon, Jon dives into his Niwot’s Challenge race recap and his San Diego 100 training. We answer questions from listeners such as, what should you do when a person with a bad attitude wants to join your group? and how to handle training over vacations?

Show Notes:

Jon’s Niwot’s Challenge Race Report is live now on his blog.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Sammie Lewis - Overcoming Ankylosing spondylitis and building a business

Thu, 23 May 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Sammie Lewis is the cofounder of Golden Endurance, a Physical Therapy and Endurance Coaching business in Golden, CO. She is a very good runner who has dealt with more than her share of difficulty, mostly from Ankylosing Spondylitis. In this episode, we dive into much of that difficulty and how she built a business around the run community.

Show Notes:

Consider Golden Endurance for your physical therapy or coaching needs, as Jon does.
Follow Sammie on Instagram @sammie_themountainpt

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send questions or audio messages to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Catra Corbett's Story of Recovery

Fri, 03 May 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Catra Corbett is an accomplished trail and ultra runner who has run 140+ 100 milers. In this podcast, she shares her story of recovering from drug addiction and diving deep into ultrarunning. We hope you enjoy!

Show Notes:

Buy Catra’s Book “Reborn on the Run” from her website. Jon really enjoyed it.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

John Lacroix on Personal Growth

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0600

John Lacroix, race director and owner of Human Potential Running Series, joins us to discuss personal growth in the sport.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Preparing For 100 Miles with Rachel Meier and Christie Amero

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0600

Join Rachel Meier, Christie Amero, Jon, and Miranda as we discuss how we prepare for 100 miles, from our fears to our hopes and dreams, from gear to pacers, and how to recover.

Show Notes:

Watch the High Lonesome 100 documentary: The Well
Jon mentioned the first ultra running book he read: Hal Koerner’s Field Guide To Ultrarunning
Some gear we talked about on the show:
- Sport Shield Wipes
- Arc Teryx Norvan Shell for Mens and Womens

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

John Clarke - Barkley Marathons Obsession

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0600

John Clarke’s been obsessed with the Barkley Marathons for years now. We discuss his obsession and his training for this year’s race.

Congratulations to the five finishers of the 2024 Barkley Marathons!!!

Miranda’s mic during the episode has poor quality. Rest assured, Jon has already purchased better microphones!

Show Notes:

We mention the book Fixing Your Feet in the episode.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

John Fegyveresi - From Barkley to Nowhere

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Join us an John Fegyveresi as we discuss his life in adventure, his book and podcast series “Treks to Nowhere,” and of course, his 2012 Barkley Marathons finish in 59:41, famously documented in the documentary The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats it’s Young.

Show Notes:

Check out his video podcast series Treks To Nowhere
Buy his book Treks To Nowhere on Amazon
If you haven’t seen it, watch The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats it’s Young

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud.

Silke Koester and co-founding Rocky Mountain Runners

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0700

Interview with Silke Koester on her running story, beekeeping, co-founding the Rocky Mountain Runners with her husband Ryan Smith, and on keeping her running life going while being a parent.

Content warning: the check-in contains discussion of loss of pregnancy. If you would like to skip forward, the interview with Silke Koester starts at 14:30.

Show Notes:

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

2023 Recap + Mental Toughness

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0700

Check in with Jon and Miranda on 2023, thoughts on mental toughness, and an update on the UTMB saga.

Show Notes:

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Grief and Ultrarunning with Courtney Boyle

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Courtney Boyle lost her son suddenly, and in her grief, turned to ultrarunning. We dive into her story and the grief process, from the beginnings to the tailings. Jon and Miranda share their stories with grief and running.

Please consider donating to the Teddy Bruce Fund for ADHD in honor of Teddy, Courtney’s son.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Season 3 will start in January! Please give us feedback on Seasons 1 and 2! Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Winter Trail Running 101

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Please consider donating to the Teddy Bruce Fund for ADHD in honor of Teddy, Courtney’s son.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Dave Mackey's Story

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Dave Mackey joins Jon and Miranda for an in-depth and emotional interview on his life in running, both pre- and post- accident.

Follow @mackeydave1 on Instagram
Check out LEADMAN: The Dave Mackey Story
Jon mentions one of his favorite running documentaries in the episode: Running on the Sun
Dave recommends this running doc on the show: The Terry Fox Story
Dave mentions the Challenged Athletes Foundation in the show. They help adaptive athletes get the equipment and services they need.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Future topics include adaptive athletes with prosthetics, sobriety, motivation, race directing, and more! Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Overtraining Syndrome with Justin Swantek

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Justin joins Miranda and Jon to discuss his experience with Overtraining Syndrome (OTS). Justin self-diagnosed and healed himself through research and patience. His story is very powerful, and we hope you’ll enjoy!

Check out Justin’s Youtube Channel

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

UTMB Whistler Drama with Luke Nelson and Caleb Efta

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 17:30:00 -0600

Race Directors Caleb Efta and Luke Nelson join Jon and Miranda to discuss the recent drama in the trail and ultra community. Gary Robbins’ story of his race, Whistler Alpine Meadows, being pushed out of Whistler in favor of a new UTMB race in the same location sharing much of the same trails has ignited the trail and ultra scene online. We gather to discuss what the issues are and how we as a community can respond.

Gary Robbins Blog Post: https://garyrobbinsrun.com/blog/2023/10/what-really-went-down-in-whistler
Caleb’s race company Freestone Endurance is opening sign ups for High Lonesome 100 lottery and all volunteer spots on January 2nd.
Luke’s race Scout Mountain Ultras takes place in early June in Pocatello, Idaho. Sign ups for the 100 miler open on December 1st and the rest of the distances on January 1st.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Future topics include adaptive athletes with prosthetics, sobriety, overtraining syndrome, motivation, race directing, and more! Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Anthony Lee and Inclusivity in Trail Running

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:30:00 -0600

Anthony Lee joins Jon and Miranda to discuss how trail running saved his life, how he built his career, and the impact of inclusivity (or lack thereof) on his running.

You should follow Anthony on Instagram at @anthonyclee94.

Follow @runningwithproblems on Instagram for future updates. Future topics include adaptive athletes with prosthetics, sobriety, overtraining syndrome, diversity and inclusion, and more! Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @runningwithproblems on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Birthday Miles!

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:50:00 -0600

Miranda ran her birthday miles at Rocky’s Backyard ultra. After Miranda and Jon recap the race, they have a short discussion on the links between altitude and mental health, inspired from a recent Trail Runner Magazine article.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Kaitlyn Yonke on Supporting Adaptive Athletes

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0600

Kaitlyn Yonke is an accomplished trail runner, coach, and activist raising money for the cure of Multiple Sclerosis and supporting adaptive athletes with MS. Her story is powerful, and our discussion was very interesting.

Kaitlyn can be found on Instagram at @kkroo917. She is head coach at Run Infinite. She works with the MS Run the US fundraising stage race across the country. She is supported by Runners Roost and Speedland.

If you’re looking to get involved supporting local adaptive athletes in your area, check out Achilles International. To sign up to help run across the US, check out MS Run the US.

Jon and Miranda are signed up for Rocky’s Backyard Ultra. Jon recently joined the #SpeedlanderTeam. Check out the best footwear in the buisiness at RunSpeedland.com.

Future topics include adaptive athletes with prosthetics, sobriety, overtraining syndrome, diversity and inclusion, and more! Send feedback and ideas to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @mildly_athletic on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Excercise Dependency

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0600

A recent study linked Ultrarunning with Exercise Dependency. We dive into the topic to discuss whether we believe it, how bad it is, and how it affects our own life. On a lighter note, we also discuss a recent marriage proposal at the finish line of the UTMB. Enjoy!

Links mentioned in the show:

Trail Runner Magazing article on the Exercise Dependency study: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/ultrarunners-risk-for-exercise-dependency/
Exercise Addiction Inventory (survey): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7044604/
Xiang Fuzhao’s instagram announcement of the marriage proposal https://www.instagram.com/p/CwspSQRKfGh/

Send feedback and running and relationship questions to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @mildly_athletic on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Building Run Communities with Ian Shoff

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Ian Shoff is one of the leaders of Oak Cliff Run Crew in Dallas, TX and an old friend of Miranda’s from their time with Milestone Running in San Diego, CA. We discuss Ian’s life in running, his dabbling in ultra marathons, building his own running community in Dallas, and his recent transcontinental ride across the US.

Links mentioned in the show:

Oak Cliff Run Crew https://www.oakcliffruncrew.com
Oveja Negra Bikepacking Gear https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com
Ride More Bicycles in Pensacola, FL https://www.ridemorebicycles.com

Send feedback and running and relationship questions to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @mildly_athletic on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Question Day

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Miranda and Jon discuss Miranda taking the lead in their head-to-head racing series at Sunset Trail Running Festival. They answer questions found on reddit about healthy body image and exercise relationships, as well as the viability of runner/non-runner relationships.

Send feedback and running and relationship questions to podcast@runningwithproblems.run or @mildly_athletic on Instagram.

Theme music by Matt Beer. Follow him on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/mattbeermusic.

Dealing with Injury with our friend Chelsea

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:30:00 -0600

In this episode, we dive deep into Chelsea’s powerful story of injury and recovery.

Theme music by Matt Beer.

Race Recaps from Ring the Springs

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:45:00 -0600

Special Episode Recapping Jon and Miranda’s experience at Ring the Springs! We dive into Jon’s anxiety and recovery during the 100-mile event, and we explore Miranda’s confidence with navigation. At the end, we take a look back at how we experienced the event together but adventuring separately. We hope you enjoy!

Theme music by Matt Beer.

Balancing Training and Relationships

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0600

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sex and a sexual relationship as well as discussions of the struggles around conception.

In this episode, Miranda and Jon engage in a deeply personal discussion about their experience attempting to conceive while Jon is training for the Barkley Marathons, which represents two major life events.

Theme music by Matt Beer.

Close Running Partners with LeAnna Christopher

Sun, 14 May 2023 13:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we interview LeAnna Christopher, one of our good friends from San Diego, CA. We discuss our recent running, how LeAnna got into the sport, her experiences managing dating and girlfriend relationships with her running, and how her relationship to running has changed over the years.

Links Mentioned:

Jon’s Niwot’s Challenge Race Report
Jon’s Barkley Marathons Race Report
Question sourced from the internet: Is Running a Threat to Your Relationship?

Theme music by Matt Beer.

Running different speeds with Nathan Kurz

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Our first episode is an interview with accomplished Boulder runner Nathan Kurz.

Theme music by Matt Beer.

Trailer

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Trailer for Running with Problems with Miranda Williamson and Jon Eisen.

Theme music by Matt Beer.