Running Behind

Amber Thielbar has been 'casually winning' ever since she started doing trail races some seven short years ago. In fact, her Ultrasignup results read like Tom Brady's winning percentage. Now, not all races go as planned or are as successful as others. We sit down and discuss how all this got started, what is helping her to be so successful, and we dissect her recent first attempt at the 100 mile distance at the iconic MN Superior 100 trail race. Yeah, I know, I've ironically been running a little behind on these podcasts...but we are back with a bang. Amber on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/32945861Amber on Ultrasignup: https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Amber&lname=ThielbarMines of Spain Trail Races: https://minesofspaintrailraces.com/Superior 100 Trail Race: https://www.superiorfalltrailrace.com/100-mile-info/Surf The Murph Trail Race: https://www.surfthemurph.org/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Artwork by Ed Linder

Hey, it's Dee Lukas day! Now, Dee may not be a back-of-the-packer, or a TRAIL runner (yet), but she is a dear friend of mine and my wife's, with a ton of great stories to tell. We cover everything from her running origins, to her multiple (try like 8) knee surgeries, to her involvement with a great Twin Cities organization called Mile In My Shoes. And dogs...we talk a ton of dogs. So get those Hoka Mach 6's laced up and get some ice compression sleeves ready when you get back, but it's time to hit the trail.Dee on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/24821671Mile In My Shoes: https://www.mileinmyshoes.mn/26.2 To Life film info: https://www.sanquentinmarathon.com/Mill City Running: https://www.millcityrunning.com/Mill City Race Team Info: https://www.millcityrunning.com/raceteamTracksmith 5000: https://www.tracksmith.com/pages/twilight-5000Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

Dave Shannon is a numbers guy. In 1997, twelve years before anyone even thought up Strava, he began documenting his runs…EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.  Since then, he has logged over 46,000 miles, 332 races, 172 marathons, including one in every state and four of the six world majors, 49 ultramarathons...and near and dear to my heart, a handful of DFL podium finishes.  He is also a race director for FANS Ultra Races.  Most importantly, Dave is an epic storyteller.  A raconteur of the highest level. Put your comfy long run shoes on and get ready for some amazing stories, cuz Dave is in the house.Dave on Strava : https://www.strava.com/athletes/36156738Dave on Ultrasignup: https://ultrasignup.com/m_results_participant.aspx?fname=David&lname=ShannonFANS Ultra Races website: https://fansultraraces.org/Dave's NYC Marathon movie "Rudy The Rat": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83cfrVBUziQJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

It' s not the heat, it's the humidity!! Welcome back to the back of the pack world of Running Behind. In this volume 3 of Crew Access, I am once again joined by Mario and Erik. We have plenty of topics to discuss, including the hot, humid and muddy day that Erik and I had at the 2025 Afton trail races. Mario's attempt at a 100 mile week, including a 34 mile day to honor his 34 trips around the sun. We also breakdown our thoughts on the Western State Endurance Run and some other happenings in the world of trail running. Erik even spills the details on how he wants to get his first tattoo...hint, it involves a difficult trail race in MT. Lots to cover in this one, so lace up those North Face Vectiv Enduris 4's tight...Afton 25K/50K Trail Races: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/Continental Divide Trail Run: https://runningseries.com/races/cdtr/The Rut 50K: https://runtherut.com/50k-race-details/Erik's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mr_spiegs/Mario's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stories/runmariorun91/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

He may say different, but my guest is not your "average" runner or person. My guest is not a back of the packer. In fact, my guest today runs a 2:18 marathon (hey, that's like 2:08 in super shoes), has created one of the premiere North American trail race events, placed 3rd at UTMB...TWICE, made the Olympic qualifying multiple times and has come in the top 5 at the Wester States Endurance Run! So what the hell is he doing on a back of the pack, ordinary runner podcast?...Well, this person is also a champion for causes that affect us ALL, and he is constantly striving to see the sport of trail running opened up to runners of all abilities and speeds, especially those in under represented communities. Not only that, he is super fun and an incredibly intelligent and cool dude. And did I mention has the best hair in the business? I am honored to be joined by the curious crafter himself...Tim Tollefson.Tim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtollefson/Mammoth Trailfest: https://www.mammothtrailfest.com/Runners For Public Lands: https://runnersforpubliclands.org/Born To Adapt website: https://www.borntoadapt.org/Born To Adapt documentary (WATCH THIS!): https://youtu.be/QFKJyWXxcwsThe Mammoth 200 movie with Sally McRae: https://youtu.be/2a0efndmmsEUTMB Trail Race: https://montblanc.utmb.world/races/UTMBWestern State Endurance Run: https://www.wser.org/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

Mandy and Bill Hansel have created what has quickly become one of the premier trail race and sporting event organizations in Minnesota and the Midwest. Not only does their Storm Sporting Events provide first class and accessible but challenging events, but the mission behind it all is what really matters. From day one, they knew that it would be important that Storm Sporting Events be a vehicle to help provide resources and bring awareness to youth mental health issues. In 2025, they were able to award their first scholarship to someone who is studying to become a resource in that field. We talk about how this whole thing got started, how its grown and where it’s headed. We also chat about some of the fun and crazy things they like to do in their spare time (not that they have any). Get ready for an absolutely delightful conversation. Mandy & Bill's Event Organization: https://www.stormsportingevents.org/Direct link to donate to their cause: https://app.autobooks.co/pay/storm-sporting-eventsBill's crazy Arrowhead 135 race: https://arrowheadultra.com/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

Joe Hardin (Trail Tortoise Running) is; a father, a husband, a trail runner, an ultra marathoner, a writer , a podcast host, a poet and soon to be race director, but maybe most importantly…Joe is sober. On December 1, 2019, Joe took his last drink. I am honored to sit down with him as he shares the details on his journey to sobriety and how along the way he found and fell in love with trail running and ultra marathons (oh, and also writing, podcasting and woodworking to name a few). This promises to be a powerful and inspiring (and fun) episode. Joe (Trail Tortoise Running) on IG: https://www.instagram.com/trail_tortoise_runningJoe’s podcasts (Beyond The Finish Line & What’s In Your Earbuds) and his writings at Run Tri Bike: https://runtrimag.com/Joe’s woodworking business: https://rtbawards.com/My favorite poem by Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKcqDpDAgJYMohican 100 Trail Race: https://www.ombc.net/copy-of-mohican-trail-runJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

"Comfort is a disease..." 5 years ago, Tony Gillham, my guest today, had a dream. It took 2 trainers, endless training miles, countless hours, the support of family and friends and ultimately 5 arduous days and nights crossing over 250 miles in the AZ desert, but in May 2025, Tony made his dream a reality. To help tell the story, we are also joined by one of his crew and pacers (and a pretty awesome podcast host himself), Mr. Ben Mead. This is a tale not to be missed! I do apologize for the audio quality at times, but for goodness sake, Tony was calling in from an oil rig, somewhere off the coast of Alaska. Get ready for an absolutely epic episode, as we hear the story of how Tony arrived at and ultimately conquered one of the most premiere long trail races in the world...the Cocodona 250.Tony's podcast episode on Ben Mead's Chasing Cutoffs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qOM4TL4zNNydreJy5bqLgBen Mead's 2024 Cocodona 250 podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gV6At4mg3SuivT3idkucKorhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5MvIk9e2YcIUP5zYkYF6yaThe Cocodona 250 by Aravaipa Running: https://www.aravaiparunning.com/cocodona2/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

The boys are back in town, the boys are back.  That’s right, Erik and Mario are back.  Thanks for meeting up with us again at the back of the pack in the world of Running Behind.  In this episode Mario, Erik and I talk about some of our races and experiences; including the time Mario took a wrong turn after running in a loop in the rain for 13 hours, the time Erik forgot his water bottles back in MN (but once again hob-knobbed with running royalty at his event, and the time I apparently DID NOT run, even half of the Zumbro 34 mile race.  We talk a lot of other stuff too. In fact, we talk so much this time, that if you are lacing up those Topo’s for your long run, you better pack some bacon, quesadillas, cookies and a whole freaking jar of pickles, cuz we have a ways to go.  Get laced up, get ready and let’s get this show...on the trail.Erik's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mr_spiegs/Mario's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stories/runmariorun91/Buffalo Run 50K Race:https://www.buffalorunadventures.com/buffalo-run/Elm Creek Backyard Ultra Race:https://bigsbackyardultra.com/races/elm-creek-backyard-ultra/Ashley Paulson on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ashkickn/The Great World Race (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, 7 Days):https://thegreatworldrace.com/Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead (Go listen! It's awesome!):https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

Welcome again to the Running Behind start line. Nothing less than epicness will do for episode number 6. I am joined by fellow MN trail runner, Jason Reeve. In less than 36 months, Jason went from running 0 miles to completing a 100 mile trail race, at the notoriously challenging Zumbro Endurance Trail Run. We get to hear his story and history, how in his early forties he decided to get himself to a place where he could run 100+ miles, and maybe most importantly, how he got the nickname "The Undisputed Big Eddy". Get ready and get some anti-chafing cream on, because we have a long ways to go.Zumbro Endurance Run 100 Mile Info: https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/100-mile-info/The Storm Trail Race Series: https://www.stormsportingevents.org/event-cms/iFIT: https://www.ifit.com/Jason on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/105288161Jason on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.reeve.98#Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Artwork by Ed Linder

Thanks again for slowing down to hang out with me at the back of the pack. For episode 5, it’s just me…just Joey. I thought a solo effort would be in order. After all, I need to catch you up on what’s coming up on the pod, how my training is (ISN’T) going, and I want to talk to you about a topic near and dear to me…optimism. So, get those shoes on and headphones in, it’s time for a little steady state with Running Behind. Zumbro Endurance Run 34 Mile Info:https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/34-mile-info/The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Artist%27s_WayJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Artwork by Ed Linder

In episode 4, we chart a new path, we head down trails unknown. We leave our familiar roads and routes behind as my guest leads us towards things like Quantum Nutrition Testing, 6 centimeter brain lesions, Eastern vs Western, chiropractic adjustments, winning bikes at bar trivia (that you then use to race a triathlon), and most importantly, how to get 12 million views on your Instagram post. I am joined by special guest, and my chiropractor, Dr. Adrienne Castrovinci. We talk all things intriguing ...oh yeah, and we even talk a little running too.Dr Adrienne’s business website: https://www.healthylivingchiropractic.com/Dr Adrienne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyliving_chiroDr Adrienne’s Instagram post with nearly 12 MILLION views: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgCQPACjBpLJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsMusic: “Nicer” by Houses On The Hill, Rue Rosa (Epidemic Sound subscription)Artwork by Ed Linder

Welcome back, to the back of the pack world of Running Behind. It’s episode 3, and this time, we are picking up the pace. l am joined by good friend and “faster than me” fellow runner, Eric Walker. We spend the time catching up, hearing about how Eric got started running, and why he loves it so damn much. We also learn about Eric's several adventures with the Twin Cities Marathon. And finally, we get the details on an extra-ordinary quest that Eric achieved. Something that l simply call "The Streak"So, buckle up and get ready for a fun ride. And if you are heading out for your long run, well you might want to kick it up to Tempo or Threshold, because it's no easy task to keep up with Eric. especially if you're running behind.Eric’s Strava profile:https://strava.app.link/gNbuAGstmRbEric’s “first” podcast stint as a guest:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-couch/id1453472927?i=1000465957338Orhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/18PGTAs37kcgHlcS4vU5j8?si=e4yJyXjpRH2hlm01VZa27ATrout Brook 10 Mile Trail Race:https://www.stcroixrunningcompany.com/trout-brookJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

If that first episode left you wanting more, than want no more, because I ‘m back. And this time it's 'net downhill', because I brought some friends! I welcome Mario & Erik to the pod, in what will be a recurring series that I am calling “Crew Access | Trail Talk With Erik & Mario. In this episode, you will get to learn all about Erik and Mario, how they got started running, how they balance running workouts with young kids, what their plans and ambitions are, and how we are all a bit nerdy but could probably put together a helluva jazz band. We also recount several race experiences, including the 2024 Wild Duluth 50K that they ran together, and Erik’s wild weekend in the desert at the 2025 Black Canyon races. Where, I might add, he made a new friend who goes by the name of Jim Walmsley. This one runs a little long, but well worth the ride. So buckle up, grab your trumpet or sax and let’s get started. There’s no time to lose when you are Running Behind. Erik's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mr_spiegs/Mario's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stories/runmariorun91/Wild Duluth Trail Races:https://www.wildduluthraces.com/Black Canyon 50K Elevation Profile:https://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/the-trail/Jim Walmsley:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_WalmsleyJoey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Chasing Cutoffs w/Ben Mead:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffsArtwork by Ed Linder

Well here it is…one of the most highly anticipated slow runner podcast launch episodes ever! This thing has got it all. From my early running days of dominating the 3200 meter podium (DFL podium) in the mid 1980’s at Minot High, to my crazy exploits of trying to out run a forest fire while being attacked by bees in the Mount St Helens backcountry, followed by a scintillating account of a successful Boston marathon effort (full disclosure…not my effort). From there, it only gets more thrilling as I take you through some of my wilder experiences, like the time I fell out of a plane and nearly died. I even dissect my deep love and passion for bourbon at one point (to be completely transparent, not so much dissect…but I do say the word “bourbon “ twice). This is the inaugural episode of Running Behind. I tell the story of me: a slow running, DFL specialist, with a small motor, little natural ability, but a big heart and an unreasonable amount of stubbornness. An ordinary guy, trying to do extra-ordinary things. This is your chance to get to know a little bit about the host of this show, and how I plan to use this podcast to speak to all of the back of the pack and “ordinary” runners out there, who are pushing themselves daily to tackle amazing and seemingly impossible adventures. I would say the excitement is going to be non-stop, but as you soon will learn, I like to take a lot of walk breaks. Sit back and get ready, because here comes Running Behind. Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunRunning Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Artwork by Ed Linder

Confession…I am a slow, but persistent trail runner who likes to take on crazy running adventures.Running Behind is a new podcast that takes a look at the wild, but beautiful world of running, trail running and ultramarathons. Mostly from the perspective of the back of the pack. Ordinary people, trying to do extra-ordinary things.We'll talk gear, training, health, nutrition and put a heavy focus on the great trails and races here in Minnesota and the Midwest. Occasionally, we will look at the unique aspects and challenges of being an older runner, and getting a late start to the game.Running Behind will be hosted by Joey Metzger, and will have occasional guests and panels to dig into the issues and explore our experiences. And who knows, if you have an interesting story to tell, especially as a DFL (dead freaking last) podium specialist or older runner, then you may find yourself behind the guest mic.Get ready for an ultra slow, but highly optimistic ride. Go hit that subscribe button, episodes will be launching soon!Joey's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Run_Joey_RunJoey's Strava Profile: https://www.strava.com/athletes/111237895Running Behind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/running.behind_podArtwork by Ed Linder