The Human Potential Running Series Podcast

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 72, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discusses the power of civil discourse, the importance of empathy, and the enduring impact of national events on our community. John reflects on the legacy of September 11th, the recent tragedy involving Charlie Kirk, and the value of open-minded conversation, even with those we may disagree with. He also shares personal stories from his two decades in trail and ultra running, exploring the roots and evolution of the sport, the challenges of advocacy, and what it means to protect the heart and soul of the running community. The episode is rounded out by updates from John's advocacy efforts, which highlight major changes to permitting and insurance requirements that will have huge implications across the sport. Join us for a thought-provoking, heartfelt episode that invites listeners to consider the true meaning of unity, resilience, and the spirit of ultra running.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 71, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms reveal an exciting project spearheaded by Tommy. In this episode, we crack open a big idea: the future Human Potential documentary. Not a highlight reel. Not a brag piece. But a raw, honest exploration of what it really means to show up on trails, in all your humanness, and become something more. John shares the deeper vision behind the project and how it connects to our core belief in Human Potential. They discuss a 10-part docuseries unfolding across the 2026 season, from RegFest to finish lines and the messy middle in between, which has now morphed into a feature film.  We talk about the “why” behind it: To show the human side of trail adventures, not just the triumphs To explore what people find out there when they’re willing to go all in To give outsiders a real answer to “Why would anyone do this?” To help our own community reflect on what their journey means We’re starting to gather footage now, and we’re looking for folks in the HPRS community who are willing to be part of it. You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to be flashy. We’re looking for: Grit Vulnerability People who are willing to go deep And your real, natural self on camera If that sounds like you, or someone you know, reach out. This is a story we’re telling together.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 70, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms dive into thermoregulation at endurance events; how to keep your core temperature in the sweet spot, whether you’re racing in searing heat or bone-chilling cold. After a quick host check-in (including congrats to Stormy for receiving the Amazing Nurses Award), we break down: How to know if you “run warm” or “run cold” Pre-race prep: climate research, training in heat or cold, contrast baths, breathwork In-race strategies: clothing, fluids, electrolytes, food choices, and drop-bag essentials Self-checks and prevention: positive self-talk, pacer chats, recognizing shivering and slurred speech before things spiral Aid station tactics: warming layers, fluids, and rest to reset your nervous system At the core is one theme, intention and prevention. Learn practical ways to stay safe, steady, and perform strongly when the elements test you.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 69, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms discuss the word of doom, "Injuries." Injuries are never on the training plan, but every runner eventually faces them. What matters most is how you respond in the first few minutes, the first few days, and the weeks that follow. In this episode, we walk through the full arc of dealing with an injury, from that initial “uh-oh” moment to your first cautious steps back on the trail. Topics include: Triage on the Spot: How to tell if it’s a soft-tissue tweak or a hospital trip. Mindset Matters: Why your brain chemistry shifts in the first five minutes, and how to ground yourself in what to do now. Training Setback → Opportunity: Reframing your outlook, setting up support, and dropping the unnecessary stress of “racing through it.” The Real Return-to-Run Checklist: It’s not just about time. We dig into pain-free walking, stairs, range of motion, strength, eccentric control, and even hopping tests before lacing up again. Protocols that Work: Run-walk reintroductions, flat terrain starts, and why consistency still trumps intensity. Plus, surprising strategies like gentle uphills (for everyone except Achilles injuries). The Nintendo Reset Button: Use downtime to build where you’ve been weak—slower paces, mobility, breathwork, hydration, connective tissue health. Healing on Nature’s Timeline: Understanding the cellular phases of repair—inflammatory (days), proliferation (weeks), remodeling (months)—so you can respect the process instead of fighting it. Whether you’re sidelined today or just want tools for the future, this episode is a guide to resilience, patience, and coming back stronger.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 68, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms each give their top five trail running tips for new runners, which also happen to be great reminders for seasoned veterans as well. From mental aspects to sage training advice, gear recommendations, and nutrition guidance, each host shares their tips and strategies to promote a lifetime of healthy choices within running.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In this deeply personal Episode 67, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix shares a story he’s never told publicly, until now. After a lifetime of masking and adapting to neurotypical expectations, John opens up about his recent diagnoses of ADHD (Combined Type) and Autism (Level 1). This isn’t just a story about neurodivergence; it’s a reckoning with leadership, identity, and the cost of pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll hear how John’s neurodivergence has shaped everything from race-day logistics to how he handles noise, social interaction, and emotional bandwidth. He talks candidly about Autistic Burnout and the hidden work of masking. This episode is a call to unmask; not just for him, but for all of us. It’s an invitation to build a trail community where everyone belongs, regardless of how they blend in. If you’ve ever felt “too much” or “not enough”… this one’s for you. Topics include: What it means to be neurodivergent in leadership ADHD and Autism through a personal lens The invisible cost of masking in trail culture How HPRS is evolving to reflect sustainable leadership The Community Roundtable (CRT) and a shared vision for the future

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 66, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discusses change and transitions. Change can be terrifying to the point that some people avoid it. It can also be necessary to grow. Transition is a word that can better describe change in a positive light. In this episode, John discusses aspects of the ultrarunning community that need to change for the sport to evolve. John also discusses how these aspects have affected his desire to self-identify as an ultrarunner, and how it ultimately leads to a period of transition at HPRS that will occur over the next 2-4 years. This is a heavy, incredibly personal episode, recounting challenging situations that have led to decisions that will affect the HPRS community for years to come.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 65, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss a wide range of thoughts about race preparation strategies. Together, they take us on a journey from beginner training plans to using races as training. They tackle ego versus mindset, how one can be destructive on your journey and the other the base of your foundation. They tackle movement streaks, body and brain recovery, and what truly matters in the race prep journey. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 64, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Derek Talbott from The Shifted Hunter. In this episode, John and Derek combine their two shows to discuss recent concerns about public land. In this robust conversation, they discuss the growing threats to public land access and why hunters, runners, and outdoor communities need to unite. They explore: The politics behind land transfers and sales, why this issue affects hunters, anglers, and trail users alike, what we can do to protect these wild spaces, how two very different communities are fighting for the same cause, whether you’re chasing elk or finish lines, this episode is for you.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 63, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Christopher Mellott. In this episode, John and Chris define what a mantra is. They provide various examples of the multitude of mantras that exist in the world. Then they turn to a conversation on how mantras can be turned into action, helping you achieve your athletic goals. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 62, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Christopher Mellott. In this episode, they discuss Care, Concern, and Accountability, and balancing all three when runners cheat or if a race participant or volunteer behaves negatively. They also discuss why rules matter and the distinction between the spirit of the rule versus the letter of the rule. An interesting conversation that explores the facets of ego, character, and integrity, as well as what happens when something negative reaches the court of public opinion.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 61, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott give updates on the Silverheels Trail Runs Permitting process before diving into a conversation about chasing an experience (the journey) rather than a destination. They discuss how people tend to become good at helping others meet their needs along the way and how that helps individuals find what they've lost or need while in the mountains. They also discuss the differences between introverted and extroverted trail runners, how to recognize the signs of one over the other, and how to be respectful of one another's "bubble" while on the trail. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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