Golden Hour Adventures Podcast

Episode: Never Too Late — Hildee Weiss on Embracing Her Inner Athlete
Type: Interview Primary Goal: Inspiration & Personal Growth Guest: Hildee Weiss
Episode Summary
Hildee Weiss shares her inspiring journey from a busy mother and grandmother to an accomplished athlete and author. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to lace up, start moving, and embrace the inner athlete waiting inside you. We talk injuries, ultra running ambitions, mountain training from flat terrain, and the mindset shifts that turn self-doubt into self-belief.
Episode Highlights
From mom and grandmother to marathoner 
Why "age is just a number" is more than a slogan
Navigating injuries and setbacks without losing momentum
Training for mountain races from a flat area
The role of family and community support in long-term fitness
How small milestones — a 5K, a 10K — build a foundation
Balancing family life with personal athletic goals
Writing the book Embracing My Inner Athlete and why telling the story matters
Sound Bites
"You're never too old and it's never too late."
"The inner voice is the one that holds you back."
"It's never too late to start your journey."
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Guest Introduction
05:24 — Hildee's Background and Starting Point
09:51 — First Steps and Overcoming Fear
11:39 — First Race and Milestones
14:18 — Training and Injury Challenges
19:26 — Achieving Personal Bests and Training for a Marathon
24:19 — Next Goals and Ultra Running Ambitions
29:13 — Overcoming Mental Barriers and Self-Doubt
30:42 — Support System and Family Influence
34:15 — Advice for Older Adults Starting a Fitness Journey
38:54 — Inner Voice and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
48:49 — Sharing Her Story and Writing the Book
61:05 — About the Book Embracing My Inner Athlete
77:46 — Future Aspirations and Never Saying Never
Resources
Book:
Hildee on Instagram:
Hildee on Strava:
Connect with the Show
Subscribe to Golden Hour Adventures wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode with someone who's been waiting for permission to start.
Tags: #PersonalDevelopment #Running #AgeIsJustANumber #OvercomingInjuries #Inspiration #UltraRunning #SpartanRace #Motivation #InnerAthlete #WomensHealth

How I Conquered the Hard Rock 100 in 36 Hours
Golden Hour Adventures Podcast
Episode Summary
Mike Wilkinson joins the show to share his unforgettable journey through one of ultrarunning's most legendary races — the Hard Rock 100. From the moment he found out he'd gotten off the waitlist to the emotional finish line, Mike walks us through the preparation, the pain, and the profound community that makes this sport unlike any other. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just curious about what it takes to push 100 miles through Colorado's San Juan Mountains, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom and genuine inspiration.
Guest
Mike Wilkinson 📸 Instagram:
Key Takeaways
Race-specific training matters. Generic mileage isn't enough for Hard Rock — Mike breaks down how he tailored his prep to the race's unique demands.
Altitude is its own beast. Time spent at elevation before race day can make or break your performance at 12,000+ feet.
Ultrarunning is a team sport. Crew, pacers, and community support aren't just nice to have — they're part of how you get to the finish line.
Mental resilience is trainable. Mike shares how he worked through his lowest points on the course and kept moving forward.
Chapters
 
 
Timestamp
Topic
00:00
Introduction and Mike's recent Hard Rock finish
01:04
How Mike found out he was in the race
02:46
Training and race-specific preparation
06:23
Altitude training and mountain preparation
14:35
Race day overview and key moments
22:13
Low points and mental toughness
28:05
Final miles and race finish
36:12
Reflections on the race and community support
Memorable Quotes
"Crossed the finish and kissed the rock."
"Hard Rock dwarfed all other races."
"Ultra running is a team sport."
Resources Mentioned
🏔️
🥾
🏞️
Topics Covered
Race preparation and training strategies
Altitude and mountain-specific training
Mental resilience during ultramarathons
Race day logistics and execution
Community and support in ultrarunning
If this episode inspired you, leave a review and share it with a fellow runner. Every finish line starts with a single step.
#ultrarunning #HardRock100 #trailrunning #mountainraces #endurance #raceday #mentaltoughness #training #goldenhouradventures

Golden Hour Adventures Podcast
Episode: Ekta's 200-Mile Journey — Tahoe 200, DFL, and the Power of Showing Up
Episode Summary
What does it take to go from your first marathon to finishing a 200-mile ultramarathon? In this episode, Ekta takes us deep into her ultrarunning story — the pivotal moments, the brutal lows, and the hard-won wisdom that carried her across the finish line of the Tahoe 200. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just curious about the sport, Ekta's honesty about failure, community, and the mental side of endurance will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.
Guest Ekta — ultrarunner, trail adventurer, and proof that the last finisher crosses the same finish line as the first.
What We Cover
🏙️ From roads to trails — How Ekta's running journey evolved from road marathons to the world of trail ultramarathons, and what sparked the shift
🏔️ Tahoe 200 — What it's actually like to race 200 miles through the Sierra Nevada, from the stunning highs to the darkest miles
🏁 DFL (Dead F*ing Last) and proud** — Why finishing last is still finishing, and what Ekta learned about ego, expectation, and redefining success
🧠 The mental game — The psychological tools and mindset shifts that make or break a race of this distance
🤝 Community and crew — How pacers, volunteers, and the ultrarunning community become a lifeline when your body and mind are screaming at you to quit
📋 Training and race prep — Practical strategies Ekta used to prepare for the demands of a 200-miler, physically and logistically
💡 Lessons from failure — The DNFs, setbacks, and hard lessons that ultimately made her a stronger, smarter athlete
Key Takeaways
Finishing a 200-mile race is less about fitness and more about learning to negotiate with your own mind
The ultrarunning community is uniquely supportive — showing up for others is part of the culture
DFL carries its own kind of courage; crossing the finish line after everyone else is still crossing the finish line
Failure isn't the opposite of success in ultra distances — it's often the prerequisite
Connect & Resources
Follow the Golden Hour Adventures Podcast: Instagram
Ekta: Instagram
Ekta's Support Team, Running Coach: Instagram
Boot Camp: Instagram
Tahoe 200 race info:
Interested in ultrarunning? Check out: [add any books, training resources, or communities you recommend]
If Ekta's story moved you, share this episode with a runner in your life — or someone who needs a reminder that showing up is everything.

In this episode, we chat with ultrarunner Jon about his journey from sobriety to trail running, the challenges of ultras, and how running has transformed his life. Discover how embracing hard things can lead to profound personal change.
 keywords
ultra running, sobriety, personal growth, trail running, mental health, endurance, motivation, lifestyle change
 key  topics
Jon's journey from alcohol to runningThe impact of ultrarunning on mental healthRace experiences and lessons learnedBalancing life, sobriety, and athletic pursuitsThe importance of community and support in recovery
sound bites
"We were in the clouds, I guess.""I just enjoy getting out on the trails.""It's important for them to see me do hard things."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Race Experience05:14 Journey into Ultra Running10:01 Sobriety and Transformation20:26 Family and Support25:45 Future Races and Aspirations33:40 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4
 
 
 

An Ultrarunner's Journey with Max
What does it take to train for 100-mile races. In this episode, we sit down with Max a fire academy technician by day and ultrarunner by passion to talk about everything from his first steps into the sport to toeing the line at some of the most iconic races in the country. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just ultramarathon-curious, Max's story is equal parts practical and inspiring.
What We Cover
How Max got into ultrarunning — the moment a regular runner becomes someone who voluntarily runs 50+ miles through the mountains
Balancing a demanding career with endurance training — how shift work, physical fatigue, and mental load factor into a training plan
Training strategies that actually work — race prep, building mileage, and how to peak at the right time
Gear breakdown — Max's go-to shoes, packs, and hydration systems, and why he chose them
Fueling for the long haul — nutrition strategies from training runs to mid-race aid stations
Race stories from the trail — including his experiences at Western States, Born to Run, and more
Handling the hard stuff — weather, tough terrain, and the mental game when things go sideways
The ultrarunning community — why the people in this sport are unlike any other
What's next — bucket list races and goals on the horizon
Connect with Max
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3140220
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Flying90
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflying90/
 

What's this episode about?
In this raw and honest conversation, Robbie and Justin open up about the mental and physical battles they've faced — from grinding through ultramarathon training to confronting the harder terrain of mental health. Whether you're chasing a finish line or just trying to get through the week, this one's for you.
 
In This Episode
Mental health awareness for men — breaking the stigma and why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
Innovative training methods — how overspeed training and elevation work can unlock performance you didn't know you had
Masculinity & confidence — what it really means to show up strong, in sport and in life
Balancing the grind — keeping your mind right while pushing your body to its limits
Personal stories — Robbie and Justin share their journeys through injury, mental health struggles, and what pulled them through
Key Takeaways
Your mental fitness matters as much as your physical fitness — train both
Overspeed and elevation training aren't just for elites; they can reshape how any runner moves and thinks
Confidence isn't something you're born with — it's built through hard things
Vulnerability among men isn't weakness. Talking is how we heal
If You're Struggling
You don't have to white-knuckle it alone. Real strength means reaching out.
🆘 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (US) 
 
Resources for Men's Mental Health
🧠 Movember Foundation — men's health, mental health & suicide prevention 
💪 Man Therapy — a bold, no-nonsense mental health resource built specifically for men 
🤝 Mental Health America — screening tools, resources, and finding local support 
😟 Anxiety and Depression Association of America — resources, therapist finder, and support for anxiety and depression 

Episode Overview
Lace up and tune in — this episode of Golden Hour Adventures goes deep into the world of ultra running with a special guest who knows what it takes to push beyond every limit. Justin and Robbie sit down with Carrie Hammond to unpack race experiences, the mental and physical grit required to compete at the highest level, and what's on the horizon for trail running.
Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just starting to dream about your first 50K, this conversation will leave you inspired and better prepared for whatever the trail throws your way.
 
What We Cover
Carrie's ultra running journey — her background, defining races, and what keeps her coming back to the start line
Race strategy and pacing — how to structure your effort across 50, 100, or more miles.
Overcoming setbacks — the mental frameworks that separate runners who finish from runners who don't
Race streaming and coverage innovations — how technology is changing the way fans and families follow athletes in real time
Races to watch — upcoming events and athletes making waves in the trail and ultra community
Key Takeaways
Pacing in ultras is as much about patience as it is about fitness — going out conservative is rarely the wrong call
Every DNF or bad race holds a lesson worth more than a finish line photo
The ultra community is growing fast, and so is the infrastructure around it — live tracking and streaming are bringing the sport to a whole new audience
Golden Hour Adventures is produced for runners, by runners. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs a little trail magic today.
 
 

Golden Hour Adventures — Episode Show Notes
From Combat Boots to Start Lines: Rob Sweetman on Sleep, Resilience, and the Healing Power of Adventure
Episode Summary
What does military service have in common with sleep science and adventure racing? For Rob Sweetman, everything. In this episode, Rob takes us through a remarkable life arc  from the discipline and brotherhood of military service to the lab, where he studied what happens to the human body and mind during sleep deprivation, and ultimately to the starting line, where he now directs adventure races that push participants to their limits in the best possible way.
Rob opens up about the invisible weight many veterans and first responders carry home with them, and why conventional approaches to mental health don't always reach the people who need them most. He shares how nature, physical challenge, and genuine community can do what a waiting room sometimes can't — meet people where they are and help them rediscover who they are.
Whether you're a first responder looking for your next challenge, someone navigating the terrain of mental health, or just a fan of humans doing hard things for good reasons, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
What You'll Hear
Rob's path from military service into sleep science — and why the two are more connected than you'd think
How chronic sleep deprivation affects resilience, decision-making, and emotional regulation
The moment Rob decided to channel his experience into creating adventure races
Why veterans and first responders often thrive in outdoor, challenge-based environments
The role of community in sustained mental health and healing
How adventure racing strips away the noise and reconnects people to their own strength
Practical takeaways for using nature and movement as mental health tools
About Rob Sweetman
Rob Sweetman is a military veteran, sleep scientist, and adventure race director whose life's work sits at the intersection of human performance and mental wellness. He is passionate about creating experiences that foster resilience, connection, and healing particularly for those who have served.
 
Connect & Resources
Follow Golden Hour Adventures for upcoming race events and episode updates
Interested in racing? Visit Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race 2027
Mental health resources for veterans and first responders: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) · Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. And if you're a veteran or first responder sitting on the fence about getting outside this one's for you
 

Golden Hour Adventures | Episode Show Notes
Guest: Eve Massey, Founder of Rising Mountain Coaching
 
Episode Summary
Eve Massey joins the show to talk all things ultra running — from the grit of race day to the art of building community through thoughtful race organization. As the founder of Rising Mountain Coaching, Eve brings a coach's eye and a runner's heart to every conversation.
In this episode, she breaks down what it really takes to execute on race day, how race directors shape the culture and community around their events, and what it means to keep moving when the mud is deep and the weather turns. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just getting curious about the sport, Eve's perspective is equal parts practical and inspiring.
 
What We Cover
Eve's background — How she founded Rising Mountain Coaching and what drives her passion for ultra running
Race day strategy — The mental and physical frameworks that separate a good race from a great one
Race organization & community — How the decisions race directors make ripple out into the culture of the sport
Coaching philosophy — Eve's approach to meeting athletes where they are and helping them grow
Tough conditions — Navigating mud, weather, and the unexpected on race day
Connect with Eve Massey
🏔️ Rising Mountain Coaching — Rising Mountains Coaching - Running Coach, Coach, Online Coaching
📸 Instagram — Instagram
Connect with Golden Hour Adventures
Instagram: Instagram
Subscribe & leave a review — it helps more adventurers find the show!
 

🎙️ Golden Hour Adventures — Tales from the Trail
Show Notes
What's up, trail fam! This week on Tales from the Trail we're going deep on three things: Justin's sufferfest in the West Virginia hills, the internet's least self-aware brand activation of the year courtesy of Satisfy and Adidas, and the wildfire that is the Cam Hanes USADA situation. Buckle up.
 
🏔️ Justin's West Virginia 50K
Justin finally checked the Mountain State off the list, and it did not go easy on him. We break down the race — the terrain, the suffer, the moments where things got dark, and how he dragged himself across the finish line. If you've ever wanted to know what 31 miles of West Virginia trails feels like on your legs, Justin is going to paint you a very vivid picture.
 
👀 The Satisfy x Adidas "The Ci..." Event in Arizona
Satisfy and Adidas didn't just drop a shoe — they flew runners out to the Sonoran Desert and threw what they're calling a hardcore festival to launch the collab. The vibes were... a lot. We talk about what actually happened, why the running internet couldn't stop talking about it, and the age-old question: at what point does a brand activation stop being cool and start being a little embarrassing?
 
🔥 Sage Canaday Reports Cam Hanes to USADA
This one is genuinely wild. Cam Hanes — 58-year-old bowhunter, podcaster, and 1.8 million Instagram followers — ran a 2:39:11 at the Eugene Marathon on April 26, winning his age group and the masters division at what is also the Oregon USATF Marathon Championship. A week later he started the Cocodona 250 in Arizona, took a fall, cut his forehead open, and DNF'd around mile 60.
Then Sage Canaday dropped the bomb: he's filed a tip with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and says he's been in direct contact with them. The substance at the center of it all is BPC-157, a non-approved peptide — and on its own, a first violation carries a default four-year ban. Hanes pushed back with the argument that he has no financial stake in his race results, so the rules shouldn't apply the same way. The counter to that? He has a footwear deal with Speedland, a clothing line under the Keep Hammering brand, and half of Aravaipa's Cocodona 250 launch content was built around him. A ban, if it comes, would also cost him his eligibility for Boston, Chicago, New York, and any USATF-affiliated race.
We get into where we land on it — is Sage right to go to USADA, or is this a case of the running community eating its own?
 
Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us when you're out there putting in your own golden hour miles.

Behind the Starting Line: The Crazy Mountain 100
Golden Hour Adventures Podcast
 
What does it take to dream up a 100-mile ultra marathon in the mountains — and then actually pull it off? In this episode, we sit down with Megan, the race director behind the Crazy Mountain 100, to pull back the curtain on one of the most demanding and beloved mountain ultras around.
From navigating complex landowner relationships to solving the logistical puzzle of moving hundreds of athletes through rugged, remote terrain, Megan shares the full story — the triumphs, the headaches, and the deep passion that keeps her coming back year after year.
 
In This Episode
The origin story — How the Crazy Mountain 100 came to life and what inspired Megan to create it
Course design & challenges — What makes this race uniquely brutal and rewarding for even the most seasoned ultrarunners
Landowner relationships — The behind-the-scenes work of building trust and access across private and public land
Race logistics — Aid stations, crew access, safety planning, and the countless details that make race day possible
The runner experience — What Megan wants every participant to feel when they cross that finish line
Advice for aspiring race directors — What she wishes she'd known before taking on a project of this scale
About the Crazy Mountain 100
The Crazy Mountain 100 is a mountain ultra marathon designed to test the limits of even experienced trail runners. Set against stunning high-country terrain, the race challenges athletes with relentless elevation, remote stretches, and the kind of raw, untamed landscape that only the mountains can offer.
 
 

Join us as we explore the West Virginia Trail Fest with organizer Alexander Papadopoulos. Discover the race details, scenic trails, family activities, and what makes this event a must-visit for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Running, West Virginia, Trail Fest, Ultra Marathon, Mountain Trails, Family Activities, Race Planning, Scenic Trails, Ultra Races, Adventure Travel Race details and course layout Family-friendly activities and amenities Unique trail features and scenic highlights
West Virginia Trail Fest Official Site - https://wvtrailfest.com
Snowshoe Resort - https://www.snowshoemtn.com
Greenbrier Trail - https://www.greenbriertourism.com
Pocahontas County Tourism - https://pocahontaswv.com
 

Robbie's back from the trails with stories, sweat, and hard-won wisdom. In this episode, Robbie and Justin break down what it really takes to tackle a 200-mile race — including Robbie's strategy heading into The Pilgrimage, coming up the first week of May. From training blocks and pacing plans to mental resilience and the surprisingly joyful chaos of running with a stroller, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and plenty of heart. Whether you're chasing your first ultra or just love a good adventure story, this one's for you

What does it take to leave a stable corporate career, build something of your own, and push your body to its limits on mountain trails? Isabella Janovick is doing all three — and she makes it look almost effortless.
 
Isabella is a marketing strategist turned entrepreneur and competitive ultra runner. In this episode, she opens up about the leap of faith behind starting her own business, how trail running became more than just a sport, and what it really takes to toe the line at an ultra.
 
In this episode, we cover:
Isabella's transition from corporate marketing to running her own business — what pushed her to make the leap and what she wishes she'd known sooner
How ultra running found her, and why the trails became her greatest teacher in resilience and mindset
Her approach to race preparation — from training blocks and nutrition to the mental frameworks that carry her through the hard miles
The power of community in both entrepreneurship and endurance sports, and how she's helped build spaces where people genuinely show up for each other
Advice for anyone standing at their own crossroads — whether that's a career pivot, their first trail race, or simply looking for more purpose in their everyday
Isabella's story is a reminder that the golden hour isn't just a time of day — it's what happens when you bet on yourself.
 
Connect with Isabella: Follow her adventures on Instagram — @ultraizzyb
 
Resources mentioned: • Cocodona 250 – Aravaipa Running — the iconic 250-mile Arizona race Isabella referenced in the episode
 

Miles Beyond the Mission: An Air Force Ultra Runner's Journey with Jason DeGrasse
What does it take to push your body — and mind — past every limit you thought you had? In this episode, we sit down with Jason DeGrasse, active Air Force service member and accomplished ultra runner, to explore the parallel worlds of military discipline and endurance sport. Jason shares how he found his way into long-distance running, what keeps him lacing up for races that stretch far beyond a marathon, and why he believes the toughest miles have less to do with your legs and everything to do with your head. In this episode, we cover: How Jason got started in ultra running and what drew him to the extreme end of the sport How military service has shaped his mental approach to training and racing Training strategies that work for athletes balancing demanding careers and big mileage goals Race-day nutrition — what fuels Jason through hours (and miles) of effort The unique culture of the ultra running community and what makes it unlike any other sport Why leaning into discomfort — rather than avoiding it — is the real key to growth as an athlete
Key Takeaway: Mental toughness isn't something you're born with — it's built in the hard moments, one mile at a time.
Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner, a curious beginner, or someone who finds inspiration in
Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Robbie’s recent trail run 01:28
Grapple vs. Dippin' Dot Snow: New running terms 02:29
Justin’s race and pushing a stroller in challenging weather 03:24
Beethoven’s Fifth Race: Unique race experience 04:43
Race day highlights and race strategy 06:07
Introduction of guest Jason DeGrasse 07:24
Jason’s entry into running and military background 10:21
First long-distance race and runner’s high 11:27
Jason’s plans for 100K and 100-mile races 12:53
Running across the Gulf Coast: 84 miles goal 15:15
Training in different weather conditions 16:36
Race preparation and race day experience 19:18
Race nutrition and fueling strategies 21:32
Race day challenges and overcoming adversity 24:39
Reflections on completing a 50-mile race 26:28
Training in tough conditions and mental toughness 28:33
Air Force PT standards and physical training culture 32:26
The importance of consistent training and mental resilience 36:14
Running shoes and gear recommendations 40:28
Favorite nutrition and fueling tips 43:04
Humorous insights on race food and gear 44:11
Where to find Jason on social media 45:06
Closing remarks and podcast wrap-up 

Jesse Ellis of Let's Wonder Productions pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a media brand in the ultra running world. From scrappy beginnings to a full-fledged live streaming operation, Jesse walks through the evolution of Let's Wonder Productions — how it started, what shaped it, and where it's headed. He digs into the unique challenges of live streaming ultra races: unpredictable terrain, remote locations, and the logistical puzzle of keeping a production running when athletes are racing through the night for 24+ hours. Jesse shares what he's learned about keeping audiences engaged across those long windows, and how storytelling becomes just as important as the technical setup. Looking ahead, Jesse teases upcoming tech innovations that could change how race coverage is produced and consumed, along with new strategies for expanding Let's Wonder Productions' reach in the ultra racing calendar. Whether you're a race director, an ultra fan, or someone curious about the business side of endurance sports media, this episode is a masterclass in passion-driven entrepreneurship.

Lance Smith didn't set out to become a name in ultra running — he just laced up and kept going. In this episode, Lance tells the unfiltered story of his journey through the sport: the grind, the setbacks, and the moments that made it all worth it.
We get into his Mickelson Trail FKT — what it took to chase it down, what broke him along the way, and what pushed him across the finish line. But Lance's story doesn't stop at personal records. He's been building something bigger: community-driven events and challenges rooted in purpose, proving that running can be a force for real impact.
Gritty, honest, and fueled by a deep love for running — this one hits different.
Lance Smith's running journey and community involvement
Setting and breaking FKTs in South Dakota
Creative and fun running challenges like gas station runs and track races
resources
Lance Smith's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LanceSmith1970
Lance Smith's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lance_smith_1970/
 

Join Justin Andreas and guest Chris Riley as they explore ultra marathon topics, race strategies, race experiences, and the evolving landscape of trail running. Gain insights into race planning, gear choices, and the mental aspects of ultra running.
 ultra marathon, trail running, race strategies, race experiences, gear, mental toughness, race planning, ultrarunning community
 key  topics
Pacers in elite ultra racesRace preparation and strategy for 200-mile eventsTrail race experiences and course insightsGear and nutrition for ultra runningMental resilience and recovery in ultrarunning
 
 sound bites
"Black Hills is my hometown course.""Tailwind is my go-to nutrition.""Follow me on Strava for updates."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Chris Riley03:01 The Role of Pacers in Ultra Races05:46 Chris's Journey into Ultra Running08:37 Experiences with Various Ultra Races11:27 Favorite Races and Future Aspirations14:09 The Cost of Ultra Racing and Race Selection23:15 Exploring 200-Mile Races28:33 Planning for Ultra Races29:40 Motivation and Mental Breaks in Training35:18 Setting Goals and Managing Expectations39:00 Favorite Gear and Nutrition Strategies45:42 Red Sunset Mountain Background Thanks for Watching Youtube Outro .mp4

If you'd like to donate to Orla's fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation for NYC marathon. https://give.bcrf.org/newyorkrundiva
The Story Orla McCarville was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas 2024. Rather than stepping back from her life, she ran straight through treatment—literally. She completed six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 19 sessions of radiation, all while lacing up her running shoes and even racing on chemo days.
Key Moments
Diagnosis as a starting line, not an ending. Orla reframed her diagnosis as a reason to move forward, not retreat.
Running as medicine. She found that the steroids from chemo gave her energy to keep running, and her oncology team supported the routine. The hardest days weren't the treatment days—they were the days she couldn't run.
Celebrating the finish. After her final immunotherapy session, Orla threw a "cancer-free party," treating milestones as victories worth marking. What's Next Orla is training for the New York City Marathon, running for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Her message to others facing challenges: "If I can do this during chemo, so can you."
There's something striking about using the very body that's being treated as the vehicle for healing—running becomes both defiance and therapy. If you want to adjust the tone, length, or focus (maybe highlight more of her mental health insights or the fundraising angle), let me know.

Justin and Robbie recap their experience at the Tanana River Challenge, a race that perfectly captures what running in Alaska is all about. Tough conditions, wild terrain, and the kind of mental resilience that only comes from pushing through long miles in the cold.
Race morning started at a bitter -18°F, setting the tone for the day. The first 17 miles were surprisingly runnable and allowed runners to find a rhythm early. But like many ultras, the race quickly changed character. The final 16 miles turned into a grind with rougher conditions, tired legs, and the kind of miles that test mindset just as much as fitness.
In this episode Justin and Robbie also talk about Robbie’s Alaska experience, joining a local group run, and getting a taste of the running culture in the Interior. From the brutal cold to the camaraderie on the trail, the Tanana River Challenge became more than just a race. It became a reminder that ultras are about problem solving, adapting to conditions, and staying mentally strong when the day gets hard.
In this episode we talk aboutRobbie experiencing AlaskaJoining a local group runStarting a race at -18°F17 runnable miles followed by 16 tough milesWhy mental resilience matters in long races