Golden Hour Adventures Podcast

Cortney Blackburn | 6-Star Marathoner

In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts welcome marathon runner Cortney, who shares her journey towards achieving the prestigious Six Star Marathon medal. The conversation delves into the intricacies of marathon cutoffs, particularly focusing on the Boston Marathon's controversial policies. Cortney discusses her experiences with various marathons, the role of charity runners, and the scrutiny she faced from the running community. The episode concludes with insights into the future of the Boston Marathon and the response from Abbott, the organization behind the Six Star challenge. In this engaging conversation, Cortney shares her experiences as a runner, discussing her journey through marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and her thoughts on trail running. The discussion highlights the importance of personal achievements, the joy of running, and the supportive community surrounding the sport. Cortney reflects on the significance of moments shared with friends and family during races, as well as her unique approach to nutrition during long runs. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by runners and the camaraderie within the running community, especially among international participants.

Elliot Matson | Folklord

In this engaging conversation, Justin and Elliot Madsen discuss the inception of Folklore, a unique trail running apparel brand that emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and vibrant designs. Elliot shares his journey from a marketing background to creating a brand that stands out in the running community. The discussion touches on the importance of color in running gear, the challenges of sustainability in the industry, and the personal touch that Elliot brings to his brand. They also explore the creative process behind Folklore's engaging video content, highlighting the fun and inclusive nature of running. In this engaging conversation, Folklord shares insights into his journey of building a unique brand identity centered around trail running and community engagement. He discusses the evolution of his running habits, the importance of gear, and the joy of connecting with fellow runners. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in the running community and the personal experiences that shape one's passion for the outdoors. 
Use Promo Code GOLDEN for 10% your first order!

Kristen Ghaffarain | Zion 100 Mile Challenge

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Kristen shares her journey from a casual road runner to tackling the Zion 100 Mile Challenge. She discusses her early experiences with running, the transition to trail running, and the unique format of the Zion race, which emphasizes personal milestones over traditional racing pressures. Kristen highlights the supportive community she found during the race, the challenges of running through the night, and the physical demands of the course. Her story is one of growth, resilience, and the joy of running with friends. In this engaging conversation, Kristen shares her experiences and insights from running a hundred-mile ultra marathon. She discusses the challenges and costs associated with ultra running, the euphoric feeling of crossing the finish line, and the personal growth she experienced throughout the race. Kristen also shares a humorous yet relatable story about an embarrassing moment on the trail, highlighting the camaraderie and understanding within the running community. The conversation wraps up with a look towards future adventures and the connections made through shared experiences in ultra running.

Spooky Tales from the Trails | Listener Tales

In this Halloween special episode of the podcast, Justin and Robbie share spooky tales from their trail running experiences, including eerie encounters with mountain lions, unexpected wildlife, and listener stories that highlight the thrill and fear of running in the dark. The conversation flows through various anecdotes, blending humor with genuine fear, creating an engaging atmosphere for listeners who enjoy outdoor adventures and spooky tales.

Relay Relay | Trail Running Indo-Rock Band

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Justin interviews Jamie and Hannah from the band Relay Relay. They discuss their busy schedules, the dynamics of their duo, their musical backgrounds, and the transition to full-time musicianship. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the music grind, their evolution as artists, and the unique lifestyle of touring in a minivan. Jamie and Hannah share insights into their creative process, the importance of live performances, and how they navigate the music industry while staying true to their passion for music. In this engaging conversation, Jamie and Hannah discuss their experiences with aging, the joys of trail running, and the transition from road to trail running. They share embarrassing moments from their performances, delve into their musical gear and setup, and highlight inspiring individuals in their community. The discussion emphasizes personal growth, the beauty of nature, and the importance of creativity in both music and running.

David Isaac | Coming Back After Surgery

n this episode, David Isaac returns to discuss his experiences in running, including his favorite races, family involvement in the sport, and the challenges he faced with health issues. He shares insights on the differences between road and trail running, the importance of community, and his journey of weight loss and recovery after surgery. David emphasizes the value of authenticity in the running community and the lessons learned from his health scares, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace their own journeys in running and life.
 
00:00Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode
03:01The Mount Washington Road Race Experience
06:08Family and Running: Shared Experiences
08:52David's Journey into Running and Weight Loss
11:59Running in Different Locations: A Love for the West
15:01Transitioning from Road to Ultra Running
18:11Community Differences: Road vs. Trail Running
20:54Leading a Walking Group: Embracing Change
23:47Health Scares and Their Impact on Running
26:53Mindset and Recovery After Surgery
29:49Authenticity in the Running Community
33:04Second Chances and Life Changes
35:54Running After Health Issues: A New Perspective
38:59Favorite Gear and Nutrition for Running
41:50Shoutouts and Closing Thoughts

Lucja Leonard | Divide 200

In this engaging podcast episode, Lucia Leonard shares her inspiring journey from being an overweight individual who hated sports to becoming a successful ultra marathon runner. She discusses her transition into the world of ultra marathons, the challenges she faced during the Divide 200 race, and her strategies for nutrition and sleep during long races. Lucia also shares the heartwarming story of her dog Gobi, who became a symbol of resilience and companionship during her husband's ultra marathon in the Gobi Desert. The conversation is filled with laughter, personal anecdotes, and insights into the ultra running community.
0:00Introduction and Guest Background
02:11Lucja's Journey to Running
07:54The Transition to Ultra Marathons
12:44Cultural Differences in Stage Races
17:25The Divide 200 Experience
26:58Challenges Faced During the Race
35:14Nutrition and Sleep Strategies
40:10The Story of Gobi
46:30Embarrassing Moments in Racing
59:10Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
 

Lindsay Walter | 6 Days in the Dome

In this episode, ultra runner Lindsay Walter shares her incredible journey through endurance running, including her experiences at the Six Days in the Dome event. She discusses her strategies for tackling long races, the importance of mental toughness, and the lessons learned from her challenges. Lindsay also opens up about her advocacy work for alopecia, her personal growth through running, and her future goals in the sport. The conversation highlights the supportive running community and the empowerment that comes from setting and achieving ambitious goals.

Mark Martin | Leadman

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, the hosts discuss their running experiences, focusing on Justin's preparation for the Equinox marathon and Mark's incredible journey through the Leadman Challenge. They explore the challenges of ultra running, the transition from road to trail, and the importance of nutrition and training balance. Mark shares his personal stories of triumph and setbacks, including his experiences with injuries and the camaraderie found in the ultra running community. In this conversation, Mark Martin shares his experiences and challenges faced during the Lead Man series, which includes a 100-mile mountain bike race and a 10K run. He discusses the physical and mental hurdles he encountered, the importance of crew and pacing, and the unique aspects of each race. Mark reflects on his personal growth through the series and looks ahead to future races, emphasizing the support of his family and friends throughout his journey.
 
00:00Introduction and Podcast Dynamics
02:57Justin's Running Journey and Upcoming Marathon
05:58Mark's Leadman Challenge Overview
08:59Mark's Ultra Running Experience and Early Challenges
12:11Transitioning from Road to Ultra Running
14:57Mark's Training and Preparation for Leadman
18:04Nutrition Strategies for Ultra Running
21:04The Heavy Half and Silver Rush Experiences
24:06Balancing Running and Biking Training
26:59Mark's 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race Experience
35:13Navigating the Challenges of Mountain Biking
38:41The Experience of the 100-Mile Mountain Bike Race
41:01Transitioning from Biking to Running: The 10K Challenge
42:34Unique Starts: The 50-Mile Mountain Bike Race
44:29Preparing for the 10K After the 100-Mile Race
45:09Race Day: The Early Morning Start
46:36The First Half of the 100-Mile Run
49:27Facing Obstacles: Injuries and Challenges
52:12The Backside of Hope Pass: A Grueling Climb
55:28Pacing and Support: The Role of Crew
01:00:20Reflections on the Lead Man Series
01:04:49Looking Ahead: Future Races and Goals
01:11:00Gear Talk: What Works for Mark
01:13:45Shoutouts and Community Support

GHA goes to Brooks Hype Fest

This conversation features a series of interviews with various runners reflecting on their experiences at Hype Fest and their personal journeys in running. Justin's a member of the Brooks Running Collective and while at their annual retreat he recorded some members of the team. 
 
 

Brandon Woods | Winter Ultra Runner

In this episode, the hosts welcome guest Brandon Wood, an experienced winter ultra runner. They start with a van update from Robbie before diving into Brandon's running journey and his love for winter ultras. Brandon shares his experience running the Susitna 100 and White Mountains 100, highlighting the challenging conditions and the camaraderie among runners. He also discusses the required gear for these races, including creative ways to meet the calorie requirement. The hosts and Brandon reminisce about their race experiences and the stunning scenery they encountered. They also touch on the mental challenges of long distances between aid stations. Brandon discusses his experiences with long-distance winter races, including the challenges of running in extreme cold temperatures and the importance of efficient checkpoint management. He also shares his training methods, gear preferences, and his role as the race director for the Resurrection Pass races. Brandon's homemade sled and his blog about building it have gained recognition in the running community. He recommends Jen Novobilsky, who completed a thousand-mile stage race across the UK, as a guest for the podcast.
 
Keywordswinter ultras, running, gear, camaraderie, challenges, aid stations, winter races, extreme cold, checkpoint management, training methods, gear preferences, race director, homemade sled, blog, guest recommendation
Takeaways
Winter ultras, such as the Susitna 100 and White Mountains 100, present unique challenges due to the harsh conditions and remote locations.
The camaraderie among runners is a crucial aspect of these races, providing support and motivation.
The required gear for winter ultras includes sleeping bags, bivys, and calorie reserves, leading to creative solutions to meet the calorie requirement.
The distance between aid stations, often around 20 miles, can be mentally challenging for runners.
The stunning scenery and natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights, add to the allure of winter ultras. Running long-distance winter races requires mental fortitude and efficient checkpoint management.
Training with a sled and running with like-minded friends can make the experience more enjoyable.
Gear choices, such as shoes and packs, play a crucial role in winter races.
Brandon's homemade sled and blog about building it have been helpful resources for others.
Jen Novobilsky, who completed a thousand-mile stage race across the UK, would be a great guest for the podcast.
Titles
The Beauty of Scenic Winter Ultra Courses
Conquering the Challenges of Winter Ultras Conquering the Challenges of Winter Races
Building a Homemade Sled: Brandon's DIY Project
Sound Bites
"Any goals to go down to the lower 48 and do like arrowhead or any of those?"
"I feel like you have a pretty good resume to back up your application."
"You couldn't even see any evidence of a trail."
"The 20 mile, that's a mind play."
"Make sure you get the food you need, get your water refilled, all that kind of stuff."
"Having to endure the mentalness between aid stations was tough."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Van Update
04:16Guest Introduction
07:17Brandon's Running Journey
10:13Winter Ultras and the Appeal of Cold Weather Running
13:11Goals and Applications for Winter Races
15:05Memorable Experiences in Winter Racing
18:57Differences Between Susitna 100 and White Mountains 100
21:38Creative Solutions for Meeting Calorie Requirements
23:26Scenic Beauty and Natural Phenomena in Winter Ultras
23:59Mental Challenges of Long Distances Between Aid Stations
24:07Challenges of Winter Races
26:03Efficient Checkpoint Management
29:37Gear Choices for Winter Races
34:25Building a Homemade Sled
46:15Guest Recommendation: Jen Novobilsky

Chad Ultra

In this episode, Justin interviews Chad Ultra, a runner known for his persona and costumes during races. Chad Ultra explains how he came up with his character and the impact it has had on his running experience. He shares his journey into ultra running and his favorite races. Chad Ultra also discusses the balance between his persona and his real self, and how he uses humor to connect with others during races. Chad Ultra shares his experience of running races and building a community through his alter ego, Chad Ultra. He emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network of friends and the positive impact of seeing familiar faces during races. Chad also discusses the challenges and backfires of his alter ego, highlighting the need for clear communication and understanding. He envisions Chad Ultra as a space to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and make trail running more fun. Chad also addresses the negative stereotypes faced by women and mothers who participate in ultra running and emphasizes the importance of supporting and celebrating their achievements.

Oregon Cascades 100 Rece Recap

In this conversation, Robbie and Justin discuss Justin's recent race, the Oregon Cascades 100. They also talk about Robbie's upcoming race plans and their training experiences. Justin shares his training leading up to the race, including some challenges and injuries. He also talks about the race itself, the aid stations, and the beautiful scenery. Overall, it was a successful race for Justin, despite some initial heart rate issues. Justin reflects on his experience running 100-mile races. He describes the challenging sections of the race, including a 25-mile stretch before seeing his crew again and a 1700-foot climb. Justin shares how he managed his nutrition and hydration, including using gels and noodles at aid stations. He also discusses the gear he used, including Brooks shoes and a Uswe pace pack. Justin credits his crew, including Nate, Lynnea, and Bethany, for their support and assistance throughout the race. He concludes by expressing his realization that he has more potential than he thought and the importance of having a strong mindset in ultra running.

Nick Janssen | Winter Ultra Skier and Runner

In this episode, Justin and Robbie interview Nick Janssen, a winter ultra racer from Fairbanks, Alaska. They discuss Nick's journey into racing, including his experiences in running, biking, and skiing. They also talk about the challenges and unique aspects of races like the Togateli Trail Race and the White Mountains 100. Nick shares his stories of racing in extreme conditions and the importance of being prepared. The conversation also touches on other races in Alaska, such as Alaska Cross and the Alaska Wilderness Classic. Nick shares his experiences participating in the White Mountains 100 and the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI). He talks about the challenges and rewards of these races, including the extreme weather conditions and the need for self-sufficiency. Nick also discusses the importance of having the right gear, such as ice bugs for running and Rossignol Delta R skins for skiing. He shares an embarrassing moment of having to drop out of a race due to food poisoning. Nick's Instagram handle is @PolarVortexAK.

Heidi Baker | Queen of Altras

Heidi Baker, a runner and coach, shares her journey into running and the challenges of balancing running with motherhood. She started running after becoming a mom and fell in love with it while living in Germany. Heidi discovered trail and ultra running and was drawn to the supportive community and aid stations. She has experienced several DNFs (Did Not Finish) in her races but has learned to cope with them through journaling and setting new goals. Heidi is a full-time coach and emphasizes the importance of making training work with the chaos of life. Heidi shares her experience of balancing training with the demands of life and emphasizes the importance of consistency. She encourages runners to focus on the total amount of time spent running rather than specific workouts. Justin agrees and adds that running is a hobby and should be enjoyed. They discuss embarrassing moments in running, gear preferences, and Heidi's podcast about DNFs and races that go wrong.

Amanda Rasmussen | Obese to 200 Miles

Amanda Rasmussen shares her journey from weight loss to becoming an ultra marathon runner. She lost 120 pounds in seven months and fell in love with running during her weight loss journey. She started with obstacle course races and eventually transitioned to ultra marathons. Amanda experienced several DNFs (Did Not Finish) in 2021 but persevered and completed the Tahoe 200 race. She also discusses her decision to quit drinking and how running has become a healthy addiction for her. Amanda Rasmussen shares her experience running the Tahoe 200, a 205-mile ultramarathon around Lake Tahoe. She describes the challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the mental and physical struggles she faced during the race. Amanda highlights the importance of having a supportive crew and pacer, as well as the camaraderie among runners on the trail. She also discusses the gear she used and her plans for future races. Overall, Amanda's story is a testament to the resilience and determination required to complete a grueling ultramarathon.

Ryan Heywood | Ultra-Runner Supports Local Community

In this episode, Robbie interviews ultra runner Ryan Haywood. Ryan shares how he got into running, from watching his dad run marathons to taking a 10-year break and then discovering marathons and obstacle racing. He talks about his experience running the Frozen Otter, a 64-mile race in Wisconsin, and how it sparked his interest in ultra marathons. Ryan also discusses his DIY 100-mile race in Chicago, where he raised money for survivors of police brutality, and his experiences running the Bear 100 and Crazy Mountain 100. In this conversation, Ryan Heywood and Robbie discuss their experiences with ultra running, including their favorite races and the challenges they've faced. They also touch on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in running, as well as the lessons they've learned from DNFs (Did Not Finish). Ryan shares his motivation for creating the Shepard 200 Challenge, a fundraising effort for the Shepherd's Home foster home in McCall, Idaho. They also discuss their journeys of sobriety and the impact it has had on their lives. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of running and the importance of perseverance and self-discovery.

Jeremy Eppley | Last Annual Vol State

Jeremy Eppley shares his experience running the Vol State, a 314-mile ultra race through Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He explains the unique start of the race, where the race director lights a cigarette, and participants ride a ferry to Missouri just to start in Missouri. Jeremy discusses the two different ways to run the race: crude (with a crew) and screwed (self-supported). He highlights the importance of road angels, who provide support and aid along the route. Jeremy also talks about his training, gear, and the challenges he faced during the race, including dealing with dogs and finding food in small towns. He shares his strategy of traveling at night to avoid the heat and the spooky experiences of walking on back roads in the middle of the night. Jeremy Eppley shares his experience running the Vol State 500K race, a 314-mile ultramarathon across Tennessee. He discusses the challenges of sleep deprivation, calculating mileage, and the mental and physical toll of the race. Jeremy talks about the highs and lows of the race, including running with a fellow participant, hitting negative miles, and the relief of reaching aid stations and hotels. He also shares the embarrassing moments and discomforts he faced, such as chafing and having to use a guardrail as a bathroom. Jeremy reflects on the importance of creature comforts and motivation to keep going, and the lessons he learned from the race.

100th Episode

In this episode of the Golden Hour Adventures podcast, host Fairweather Steve Carter interviews Justin and Robbie while playing the game Never Have I Ever. The conversation covers various topics related to trail running and racing experiences. The hosts discuss puking during races, DNFing races, trying new things on race day, running self-supported races, setting course records, wearing race swag, encountering scary animals during races, cutting the course, running as a bandit, and more. In this part of the conversation, Robbie and Justin discuss their experiences in trail races and the importance of taking care of oneself and the environment. They share stories of being stranded during a race, crossing deep streams, and the significance of race photographs. They also talk about the etiquette of not stealing or pirating race photos and the impact of littering on the race course. The conversation touches on the behavior of runners towards volunteers and support crews, emphasizing the importance of being respectful and grateful. They also discuss the value of volunteering at races and the sense of community it fosters. In this final part of the conversation, Robbie and FWS discuss the joy of volunteering in races and the impact they can have on participants. They share stories of helping runners in need and the satisfaction that comes from making a difference. They also reflect on the 100th episode of their podcast and express gratitude to the individuals and companies that have supported them. The conversation ends with some lighthearted discussion about funny and memorable moments in trail running, including stories about bodily functions during races.

Tales from the Trails

In this episode, Justin and Robbie discuss the growing industry of non-alcoholic beverages and its impact on sobriety. They explore the availability of non-alcoholic beer, hop water, and mocktails, and how these options can help people who are struggling with alcohol addiction. Robbie shares his personal experience with sobriety and the role that non-alcoholic beverages have played in his journey. They also discuss the recent Hard Rock 100 race and the impressive performances of Courtney Dauwalter and Ludo Pommeret, who both set new course records. Justin and Robbie discuss the Western States Endurance Run and their own recent trail running experiences. They highlight the maturity and impressive performance of Jim Walmsley in the race, as well as the exciting battle for second and third place. They also share their own trail running adventures, emphasizing the joy and challenge of running on uneven surfaces and the need to adjust pace and nutrition for trail races. They offer advice for road runners transitioning to trail running, including finding manageable trails, being prepared for uneven surfaces and obstacles, and considering safety precautions.