Weathering The Run

This was a lot of fun! Chelsea and Jordan met at an obstacle course event many years ago. They fell in love and now have two kids. They support each other's journey into running ultras and being a fit family while also juggling life and teaching. I run a lot of my training miles with Jordan and this was a lot of fun to dive into their philosophy as a couple and lifestyle.Follow Chelsea's & Jordan's journey on Instagram!

Today’s "Weathering The Run" episode features ultra-runner and race director John Lacroix, founder of the Human Potential Running Series, including a HPRS podcast that accompanies the races he puts on. He is well known in the trail running community, perhaps for his nickname he used to have (Sherpa John) or for founding the first 200 mile trail race in New England. We explore his unforgettable experiences running through snowstorms, nor’easters, tornado warnings, and scorching heat. John also frankly addresses past criticisms, the crossroads facing trail running—and urges us all to step up for public land stewardship and volunteerism.Conversation Highlights:-Weather extremes on the trail: snow, wind, heat, and more.-Reflecting on previous controversies with transparency and growth.-Trail running’s survival hinges on more volunteer support and advocacy:.Final Call to Action from John:“If you have time to train, you have time to volunteer… reach out to your race director—there’s always something to do, from cleaning gear to race-day support…"Resources & Ways to Get Involved:Runners for Public Lands — empowering runners to protect public lands Outdoor Alliance — a coalition uniting recreation advocates to conserve America’s public lands Access Fund — national advocates for sustainable climbing and trail access Colorado Fourteeners Initiative — stewarding Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through volunteer trail work Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) — invests lottery proceeds into conservation and recreation projects across the state

This week on Weathering The Run, I chat with Darrell Crain recommended by a past guest, Chikage Windler(Episode 11). Darrell and his son turned to running when his son was in college. Now they're a dynamic duo pursuing ultras to score Western States lottery tickets.Their most recent challenge? The Burning River 100, where relentless rain destroyed their feet with blisters, yet the pair persevered through an unforgettable run. Darrell even joked, “I don’t even know how to spell DNF,” highlighting his determination and playful spirit.

This week on Weathering The Run, we welcome Bob Becker—ultrarunner, race director, and all-around inspiration. Bob recently made history as the oldest official finisher of the Badwater 135, crossing the world's toughest ultramarathon at age 80, earning him a new age category and a place in Badwater lore.Beyond his Badwater feat, Bob wears many hats:-Race Director of iconic ultramarathons:The Keys 100 — a 100-mile point-to-point from Key Largo to Key WestThe Daytona 100 — a coastal 100-mile race along Florida’s ocean roads-Holder of age-group and race records, such as 167.5 miles in a 48-hour fixed-time eventIn our conversation, Bob shares:-What it takes to finish Badwater at 80—including training strategies, mental grit, and his steadfast crew.-His insights on organizing and directing challenging ultramarathons.-Wisdom on what age—and experience—bring to running—and never letting go of the goal.

This is a great conversation with Hannah McCorkle. She helps lead Columbus’s Marathoner-in-Training (MIT) program at Fleet Feet, a program guiding over 700 runners toward half and full marathon goals. Hannah lives her life with the mantra of "Change Your Life, One Mile at a Time." She is also diving deeper with personal coaching for female athletes. She is helping them reach their full potential using philosophies that power her approach: building community, resilience, and smart consistency.📲 Connect with Hannah:Instagram: @runnerwithmoxie Learn more about MIT (Marathoner‑in‑Training): Marathoner-in-Training Program

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we chat with Sarah Biehl, a powerhouse trail and ultra runner originally from Ohio, but now residing in Colorado. After a stellar college running career, Sarah has made waves in ultras: capturing titles like the 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 50K champion and 6th female at The Canyons by UTMB. Her journey, from sprinting in high school to earning her stripes in the JFK 50 and beyond, is defined by resilience, smart racing, and gritty consistency.📲 Connect with Sarah:Instagram: @biehlharas Strava: Sarah Biehl

In this episode of Weathering The Run, I sit down with rising Ohio ultra star Alec Cline, a runner who’s been on an absolute tear this year, including a podium finish (3rd place) at the notoriously brutal Georgia Death Race. I first crossed paths with Alec at the Ohio Backyard Ultra, but our interview got delayed… and in hindsight, I’m glad it did because nearly every race since then, Alec has won.We dive into Alec’s training mindset, his rapid climb in the ultra scene, and his upcoming race calendar, including:🏃‍♂️ Burning River 100 – July 26, 2025🏞️ Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra – Aug 2, 2025⛰️ Tuscazoar Endurance Race (100 miler) – Aug 30, 2025⏱️ NEO24 (24-hour race, Oct 4, 2025) – Goal: 140+ milesAlec shares three keys to his training success:Make Wednesdays Hard – Midweek 20-milers to boost volume earlyInsert Fun – “We get to do this”—find joy in the processConsistency – Show up, even when you don’t feel like itHis grit and gratitude are contagious, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone chasing big goals or needing a push through the daily grind.🔗 Follow Alec’s journey:Instagram: @alec_k_clineStrava: Alec on Strava

🎧 Who You’ll Hear:Larry O’Neill — Associate Professor and Oregon State Climatologist specializing in air–sea interactions and Pacific Northwest weather, offers an expert forecast for this year’s race.Ashlyn Culbertson — A high school running coach, drawn #75 on the Western States Endurance Run waitlist, currently with just 19 runners ahead of her, shares her experience and hopes for joining the starting line.Some topics:-Insights on temperature, high country storms, and fire risk heading into the race.-Historical drought, heatwaves, and how climate patterns are shifting.-Social dynamics and emotions around being near the front of the waitlist.-Running strategies for tough weather conditions and preparing mentally when you’re on the cusp.-What the weather is likely to be during this year’s Western States.-The lived experience of waitlisted runners and the emotional rollercoaster as race day nears.Follow the guests:Larry O’Neill on X (formerly Twitter): @laoneill25Ash Culbertson on Strava): ⁠Ash's Strava

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we sit down with Paul Johnson—a former Naval officer turned ultrarunner who’s not only run across the United States but also set a world record by completing 100 miles in Antarctica in under 24 hours. Paul shares how running became his outlet for managing anxiety and depression after his military service. We discuss his 2024 transcontinental run, where he covered over 3,000 miles in just over 51 days, raising more than $500,000 for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit supporting veterans' mental and physical health. Now based in California, Paul is embracing new challenges, including mountain running, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness.Connect with Paul:Website: pauljohnson.runInstagram: @pauijohnsonYouTube: Paul JohnsonLearn more about Team Red, White & Blue: teamrwb.orgWatch Paul's Antarctica 100-Mile World Record Run: YouTube VideoTune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and how he's using endurance sports to make a difference.

This year is the 45th running of the Columbus Marathon and it was great to catch up with the race director, Darris Blackford. He has run more than 200 marathons and other ultramarathons. I have been wanting to have Darris on since his wife, Star Blackford, was on Episode 3 of Weathering The Run. We chatted a lot about the ins and outs of race directing and then about his extensive experience of running through dangerously cold conditions along with running across Death Valley during Badwater. If you are interested in running the 45th Columbus Marathon, be sure to sign up before it sells out!

Matt Chilcote, or "Chilly", got into running just a few years ago, but has already completed several 100 mile races. He has also completed the Midwest Grand Slam of 100 milers. Running started as a way to keep him and his friend accountable, but it quickly escalated. He has some great stories to share about his experience running in some intense weather. Follow along Matt's journey, on ⁠his Strava⁠. He is also part of Team Heart and Sole, which helps provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends, to participate in endurance racing events across Ohio.

Sometimes you meet people and you can tell they will have some good stories. I met Andre at the Ohio Backyard Ultra (OBU) because we were crewing different runners. Our runners went on into the second day so I had the chance to chat with Andre and I wanted to have him on the podcast to talk about his style of backyard ultra that he race directs in Canada, along with race directing a race similar to the Barkley Marathons that Lazarus Lake puts in in Frozen Head State Park each spring. The races are very similar, but also some notable differences. We share all the secrets that Andre is willing to share in the episode and hope you enjoy it!Bush Bitches Backyard (BBBackyard) website: https://www.bbbackyard.com/BB Trail Running Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbackyardultra

Jason Profitt started running to lose weight, but he gained so much more. He has now surrounded himself in the running community and continues to inspire others while learning how to tackle longer and longer distances. Follow along his journey: Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/112286808Instagram (creator channel with Zach) - https://www.instagram.com/2dudes1runInstagram (personal) - http://instagram.com/jprof7

A Derecho is defined as a severe thunderstorm that has severe criteria winds (60+ mph) for more than 240 straight miles. Chase Smith found himself on a bike ride during this severe storm and thankfully had the help of a couple gentleman in a work van. Chase is an avid trail runner and we share stories about some of the crazy weather he has also ran through. Enjoy!

Shelley Leone has overcome many challenges in her life, like addition. After getting some help from a good friend, running is her new passion and has been for many years. She joins us to share some of her story and what keeps her motivated to keep pushing on, when there are obstacles in her path. Follow her story, on her Instagram: @ShelleyLeone.

Gary Sines is this year's Columbus Chipotle Strava Segment winner. He ran the short segment of Lane Avenue more than 500 times and secured himself 52 free entrees. He is an experienced runner and often will set up his own ultras on short looped courses to challenge himself physically and mentally. I had the honor to run the first marathon of his first 100 mile run, so it was great to catch up with him. Hope you enjoy the episode!

No one has won more 100 mile races than Karl Meltzer. He is a legend in trail and ultra running and it was an honor to pick his brain about some of the weather he has experienced in his many years of running. Hope you enjoy some of his many stories, shared in this episode. Please feel free to share the episode, so other can enjoy it as well!Check out Karl on hiswebsite,shop,Instagram,Facebook, andTwitter(X).

If you follow the sport of trail or ultrarunning then you have seen his photos. I am honored to have Howie Stern join me on the fiftieth episode of Weathering The Run. Howie has a long history of running ultra races and he captures so many historical moments in the sport. Check out his photos on his website or his Instagram.

It is always a treat when I get a recommendation to have a special guest on Weather The Run podcast. This guest, Darin Dunham, did not disappoint. He gives a weather briefing to all the Hellgate 100k runners at the dinner before the race begins. He has ran every Hellgate since it started. He is also a pilot, so he has a vast knowledge of the weather and its impacts on the race. Hope you enjoy!

What better way to start the new year of 2025 than with someone who has the pulse on the trail and ultrarunning scene. Finn Melanson from the Singletrack Podcast shared some of his time to talk about his thoughts on the year ahead with some huge races coming up. We also talked about the races that he and his wife are race directing: Twisted Fork Trail Festival. They are bringing back an event with some unique ideas and concepts. Hope you enjoy the episode. Check out the Singletrack Podcast and the Twisted Fork Trail Festival!