FACING VERT

Marisa Romeo never ceases to blow my mind. To be in the top 25 women at the biggest ultra trail running race in the world is unbelievable...she was 22nd by the way. I had to hear her story, and it did not disappoint. Going in with a great mental state and just reveling in the fact that she was even there was the perfect way to approach the start line. She was ready. Hear about her journey through these majestic mountains, battling crazy cold weather, and overcoming some personal lows and other issues. I found it so interesting to hear two different experiences of this same race back to back (Katti and Marisa). Both women are so strong, and I feel blessed to sit back and watch them excel. Thank you, Marisa, for coming back on the podcast. I SO enjoy our 'catch up times'. I certainly hope you can make your way back to UTMB, and I'll continue to be one of your biggest fans. :)Marisa's website: https://www.marisaromeo.comMarisa's coach: Ryne Anderson with CTSThank you for listening! Please follow Facing Vert on Instagram @facingvertIf you are enjoying, please share with your friends! Thank you!

I was so pumped to follow several runners on their journey through the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy during the UTMB 100 miler. One of these incredible runners was Katti Jackson, and I stalked her on the live tracking until she crossed the finish line back in Chamonix. Little did I know the ups and downs she fought through to get there. I purposely did not look at any of her recaps of the race, because I wanted to hear directly from her first hand. I wish I could describe how strong she is, but her performance out there after a horrific first night, speaks to this better than words can. Now, she may not think so, as I could see the disappointment in her face as she spoke about her experience. But that's what I love about Katti...her her hunger to just get better combined with a humility that makes her unstoppable. She will come back to take on this course again...I just know it. Thank you, Katti, for sharing your journey. I treasured every second of our time.

Dr. Jennifer Kurtz is an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. She specializes in nutritional supplementation, performance and recovery, and she is also a sports nutritionist. She understands endurance athletes because she is one...an ultra runner, a mountain biker and a snowboarder. She is QUITE the athlete and incredibly smart. Her first ultra was the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K put on by Tanawha Adventures. Now she has decided to investigate the effects of creatine on cognitive function and performance recovery following ultramarathons. She is specifically working with athletes running in events put on by Tanawha Adventures. Jen’s study sounds absolutely intriguing, and I would love to see the results when this is completed. Jen taught me so much through this podcast, and I really loved her personality and her passion for her work and endurance sports. She is already doing so much for our community. After listening to the podcast, you may be consider being part of her field study. If so, please connect with Jen via her website, https://sites.google.com/appstate.edu/creatine-trail-running-study-/home. Also her email is kurtzja@appstate.edu.Thank you, again, Jen for reaching out and coming on to the podcast! Looking forward to running with you in the future! :)Jen Kurtz's Instagram is @jen.kurtz.phdThank you for listening! Please follow Facing Vert on Instagram (@facingvert).

Michael Poole just recently completed the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run in Colorado, which just so happens to be a dream race of mine, so I was excited to talk to him about his experience. Michael has been trying to get into Hardrock for 11 years, and finally he was pulled from the waitlist just a little over a week before the race and told he was in. Crazy! I loved hearing about his running journey through the beautiful, yet unforgiving mountains of Colorado. Out of the 22 one hundred milers that he has done (yes, I said 22!), Hardrock took him the longest, but was one of the most gorgeous races that he has experienced. The amount of ultras that Michael has done is unbelievable, and he just continues to get stronger and fall more in love with the sport and this community. Michael was so easy to talk to, incredibly laid back and super humble. Michael, thank you for FaceTiming with me and sharing your running journey. And thank you to your amazing wife, Claire, and your two girls for their patience while I kept you on the phone! I am looking forward to seeing you continue to add belt buckles to your collection! Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtpoole/Michael's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/18746734Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/ Thank you for listening!

Laura Rollins has had the Western States 100 as a bucket list race since 2017 when she first entered the lottery. Finally her chance came this year, and I was so stoked to follow her on the live stream and tracking whenever I got the chance. When I saw her cross the finish line, I was so incredibly proud of her, and I immediately wanted to know every detail of her experience. That sit-down happened about a week later, and now I get to pass it on to you! What a powerful woman Laura is, and what an epic race of ups and downs she waded through. I loved our time together. She really made me want to do this race! Thank you, Laura!Laura's Mental Performance Consultant: Marisa Romeo (https://www.marisaromeo.com/coaching)Running Coach: Aaron Saft (https://www.runningislife.run)Laura's Instagram: @lrollrunsLaura's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/7695708Following Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvertThank you for listening!

Rob Berry is extremely passionate about all things running, and that fact soared to the surface on this podcast. Once he discovered that ultra-running existed, he wanted to soak in all he could about the sport. Rob's journey is all about discovering, adapting, learning, changing...just to be better. Rob Berry and I first met at the Cruel Jewel 100, back in 2023, when we were both running the race. Since then, he and I have kept in touch through Facing Vert's Instagram. When he sent me the live tracking to follow him in the Cocodona 250, I knew no matter how this went for him, I wanted to know all the details! I can't imagine stepping on the line and knowing that I have 250 miles in front of me. For Rob, Cocodona was one of those races that quickly became a dream race. So what happened? Listen to find out. ;)When you talk with someone about their passion, it becomes so much more than one moment. Thank you, Rob, for sharing so many moments that made you the runner and the person that you are. Rob had taken all the knowledge and experience and is now a coach! So if you are interested in running an ultra, look no farther! flatlanderrunning.comRob's Instagram: rob.b.berryFacing Vert's Instagram: facingvertThank you, as always, for listening!

Shannon Howell...what can I say to explain the level of athleticism, grit, dedication and talent this woman possesses? I first heard of Shannon when I ran the Heartbreaker 50 mile (which she won), and so I decided to look her up on Ultrasignup. Whoa...79 races recorded, and she finished on the podium more than half of these. Mind blowing. Absolutely amazing. So many iconic races she has been able to participate in, and I must say I am a wee bit jealous of her experiences! I could not wait to talk to her, and our conversation did not disappoint. Her running journey is inspiring to put it mildly. We talked about so many of her races and training, and we dove into her experience at Hellbender, but one thing that stood out to me throughout our conversation was her love of people. Whether that was on her group runs or during races, she continued to mention the people she has met and the connections she has made across the country and around the world. As someone that is shy around people I don't know (yes, that's me!), this was so impactful. Her love for trail running and her the joy she finds in others will only help this sport grow and thrive. We need more people like this in all of our lives. Thank you, Shannon, for being an inspiration in so many ways. By the way, this is my first episode recording over the phone and not in person! I was able to FaceTime Shannon, where I could at least see her face-to-face, but she did not have to travel to me to record. I recently decided to take a leap and purchase new equipment to where I can interview guests from anywhere, and I am so excited about this new development!Shannon's Instagram: http://instagram.com/runshanyrunShannon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9214319Follow us on Instagram! @facingvertThank you so much for listening!

I have learned to expect the unexpected with the amazing people I get to know during these podcasts, and Raven Johnson was no different. Raven had just finished the Hellbender 100 the weekend before we recorded, and not only did she finish, but she finished 3rd female overall! Of course, I wanted to hear every detail of this journey, as I also knew that this was also her first time running the 100 mile distance. When you run ultras, it is extremely helpful to have a 'why' while you are out there...especially in the lows. You can focus in on that 'why' to help you pull through, help you get back on your feet and finish the race. What I did not expect was hearing the depth behind Raven's 'why', and I was amazed by her journey. Raven, thank you for opening up and sharing your story with me. Thank you for your vulnerability, which shows the world your undeniable strength. You are beautiful inside and out, and I feel completely honored to know a piece of your heart. Thank you. If you want to follow or reach out to Raven, here are some ways...Raven's Instagram: @ravenrunswildRaven's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/56373121Thank you so much for listening! Please share with your family and friends. Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert

Miriam Salloum is the owner of The Runner's Mechanic-a unique running analysis and physical therapy clinic in Asheville, NC. I was looking forward to sitting down with her as our paths have crossed so many times, but we have never had a chance to have a true conversation. I wanted to get to know the person that she is, how she found her love for running, and what inspired her to choose physical therapy as her career path-specifically runners being her main focus. I knew Miriam was smart, but man, she is REALLY smart. Her passion and knowledge are so evident as she speaks, and I was fascinated. We were also able to get into her experience with ultra running, running injuries, how she works with her clients, her time working with Olympic athletes and so much more. The more we talked, the more she exuded gratitude. Gratitude for what she gets to do everyday as she helps other athletes, but also her gratitude for the ability to run. As you will hear, there were times when she thought she would never be able to run again. Now, everyday, every run, and every race she is simply grateful. I wish we could all have that perspective. Thank you, Miriam. The Runner's Mechanic website: https://www.therunnersmechanic.comThe Runner's Mechanic Instagram: @runnersmechanic_PTThe Runner's Mechanic YouTube Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvertThank you so much for listening!

It's finally out! Brandon Thrower and Carrie Baris (co-race directors) sat down with me to go through all of the details of the new course for the Hellbender 100 coming up on May 9-10, 2025. After Hurricane Helene, so many of our beautiful trails were destroyed by falling trees and landslides. Through the hard work of so many, trails have been opening up, but it is going be quite a while before we can access Mt. Mitchell and many parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. BUT, thankfully Hellbender can still happen, and Brandon and Carrie have worked so hard and giving everyone the best course possible for not only the runners, but their crew. Listen as they describe the course in detail, required gear, aid stations, crew and pacer information, and more. Thank you to all involved in bringing this race to fruition . It is going to be an epic weekend for all! Hellbender 100: https://www.hellbender100.comNC Mountain Trail Runners: https://ncmtr.orgCamp Grier: https://www.campgrier.orgG5 Trail Collective: https://www.g5trailcollective.orgTanawha Adventures: https://www.tanawhaadventures.comHellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/Hellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/Thank you for listening!

I really don't like talking...that is why I ask the questions! BUT, on this episode it is just me rambling about my experience at the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 50M this past Saturday, March 22nd. First of all, the weather was absolutely perfect...chilly in the morning and rising to around 68 or so in the afternoon. Clear, sunny and beautiful. I know Brandon (race director) was so happy to finally get a forecast like this for a race! I tried to go into this race with zero expectations and simply enjoy the day (and pain...). This was also my birthday run, as I had turned 47 just the day before, so that made this one super special to me. Listen as I describe as many details as possible for you about my journey through the mountains. Ultimately, I ended up 3rd lady and 12th overall, and I could not have been happier with the result. This race was definitely challenging and the legs were hurting, but the views, aid stations, friends and family lifted my spirits...all that I would want for a day in the woods. Congratulations to all who tackled the 55K or the 50M and survived. I am honored to share the trails with you. Thank you for listening! Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreakerFacing Vert Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Now this was a fun interview...two friends that met through running, now crew one another, race together and train together when they can. Both Tim Nooney and Miller Groome decided to run the Black Canyon 100k this past February, and I wanted to hear from both of them about their journey through this race. It was so great to hear that they were able to share several of the miles together on the trails of Arizona, while also entertaining all around them with their banter. :) But, as the day unfolded their race took very different turns. We talk training, gear, every detail of race day, problem solving, lessons learned, and more. Congratulations to Tim for taking 16th male in an incredibly tough field. Thank you, Tim and Miller for your awesomeness. You guys are the best. I hope you enjoy! Black Canyon Ultras: https://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/Tim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timnooney/Miller's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millergroome/Tim's Sponsors: La Sportiva , Precision NutritionWant to check out past episodes with these guys? Listen to Episode 014, 018 and 034!Thank you for listening!

It is here! Brandon Thrower, of Tanawha Adventures, discusses the NEW course for the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50M & 55k with me on this episode. Listen as Brandon walks us through the turns, the terrain, aid stations, crew and more for this upcoming race. Although the race will not be able to go to Mt. Mitchell this year due to damage from Helene, that doesn't mean this course is not going to be epic. If you know Brandon and his races, you know he will make sure you have an incredible experience with stunning views. Can't wait to see you all out there! Tanawha Adventures' website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/mountmitchellheartbreakerTanawha Adventures' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/Thank you for listening!

"If you don't have the confidence, you have to have the courage"--Teresa Bowser I absolutely loved when Teresa said this as we discussed why she signed up for the Fierce Dragon Firestarter 100. Already an extremely difficult race (that very few want to even attempt), the crazy weather took the difficultly to another level. This race started in snow, turned into slush, back to ice and THEN came the pouring rain. It takes a special person to even start this race in ideal conditions, but if you know Teresa, you know she has the fight and the grit to give it absolutely everything she has. And this is what she did, and STILL had a blast. Listen to hear the details of her experience and ultimately why she had to walk away...not defeated, but even more ready for what comes next. As she would say, "no coulda woulda shouldas' for her. Teresa, I LOVE your joy. ... If you haven't listened to the first episode I recorded with Teresa, I would highly recommend that you do. You will love her even more. Episode 046: Releasing The Burden-Teresa Bowser Fierce Dragon's website: https://www.h9fiercedragon.com Teresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresabowserfitness/ Teresa's coach, Aaron Saft: https://www.runningislife.run Teresa's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/38746695 Follow Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert I would love to hear from you! Thank you for listening!

Andrew Hall signed up for the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival's 24-hour race with a short window to train and only a 50K under his belt. Andrew's own hometown of Burnsville was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and he saw first hand the generosity of others to offer their resources to help. So when he saw the opportunity to also help Old Fort, he jumped in head first. Andrew and his friend, Jake, signed up together, and the training began. Hear about his adventure, the lessons learned, how he battled the lows and pushed his mind to the limits. Andrew was so easy to talk to, and I learned so much about his past adventures, how he was a major conduit for his community of Burnsville after the hurricane, and so much more. Interviewing Andrew also gave me the opportunity to recap my 12-hour adventure out at Old Fort, so listen up if you want to hear my experience! Thank you, Andrew, for your humor, your love and tender heart for others, and for shining your light so so bright. You and Sidney are such wonderful people. Andrew's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/17100912 Andrew's Instagram: @andrewhall15 Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvert Thank you so much for listening!

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I truly hope that you had a wonderful Christmas season and are getting off to an amazing start in 2025. To kick off this new year, we have a new race to talk about with Brandon Thrower, race director and owner of Tanawha Adventures. The Hanging Rock Challenge 50K & Half will be taking place on January 11, 2025, and this race course sounds stunning. Hanging Rock State Park holds a special place in Brandon's heart, and you will hear why. Here is a snippet from the race website about this challenge: Experience the beauty, challenge, and thrill of HAROC (Hanging Rock Challenge), a race that showcases the rugged majesty of Hanging Rock State Park. Whether you're taking on the 50K ultra or the Half Marathon, this race is your gateway to some of North Carolina's most stunning terrain—massive boulders, sweeping vistas, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and trails that will push your limits and reward your spirit. ​ As always, Brandon and I discuss all the details of the race including a description of the routes for both races, aid stations, crew and spectators and more. We also touch on some upcoming Tanawha races and a brief recap of the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival. Hope you enjoy! Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/haroc Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/ Hanging Rock State Park: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-park Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/ Message me with comments or questions through Facing Vert's Instagram. I would love to hear from you! Thank you for listening and sharing with your friends!

I met Katti Jackson at The Naturalist, where she took 2nd female overall. Since then, I have seen her dominate in the ultras she has faced since that time. Katti didn't even start running ultras until 2022 with Table Rock, and in 2023 she won the Heartbreaker 55k, then won the Heartbreaker 50 miler the next year. So, like anyone else would do (ha!), she wanted to try her hand at the 100 mile distance. She chose Grindstone 100 for her first attempt, and not only did she finish, but she finished first overall! Now that is a good result for your first 100! Of course, in our conversation, she walks me through the details of her experience at Grindstone which I completely soaked up. We also spoke of her past...how she started running, some of the struggles she faced along the way, discovering the trails, and ultimately why she tried the ultra distance. It was so awesome getting know her and hearing her story. I am excited to see how far she can fly, especially at UTMB next year. I am a big fan, Katti. Thank you for coming on the podcast and sharing your heart and your love for running (and running so fast). Katti's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/34931030Katti's Instagram: http://instagram.com/katti_jacksonGrindstone 100's website: https://grindstone.utmb.worldFacing Vert's Instagram: http://instagram.com/facingvertThank you for listening!

First of all, I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving with their friends and family. I am so so grateful to each and everyone of you that listen and share this podcast! On this episode, I sat down with Brandon Thrower, with Tanawha Adventures, to get all the details for you on the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival coming up on December 6-8th. The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival is going to be amazing...full of runners and mountain bikers looping trails for 6, 12, or 24 hours for one goal...to raise money for those in Old Fort devastated by Hurricane Helene. What a wonderful reason to come together as a community! Brandon and I talk schedule, describe the routes for both the runners and mountain bikers, crew detail and set up, parking, pacing, entertainment, awards, donations, and more! All your questions (thanks for submitting them) were answered, but if there is something we did not discuss, it will be in the participant guide that Brandon will send out before the race. We both highly suggest that you not only listen to this podcast, but read through the guidebook in case there were any changes or additions to what we spoke about. I really can't wait to see every single one of you, as I will be running in the 12-hour. Thank you so much to Tanawha Adventures, Pisgah Productions, Camp Grier, and G5 Trail Collective for putting your minds and hearts together to put this event on. Brandon, as always, thank you for coming on to talk with me. *I also apologize for my voice (or lack of) on this podcast. I had a nice struggle with laryngitis!* My Old Fort Strong Fund if you would like to donate: https://runsignup.com/facingvert Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/oldfortstrongendurancefest Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/ Pisgah Productions: https://www.pisgahproductions.com Camp Grier: https://www.campgrier.org G5 Trail Collective: https://www.campgrier.org Follow Facing Vert on Instagram and feel free to message me there! https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/ See you soon!

Natalie Narburgh does not shy away from adventure or challenges...actually she gravitates towards it. Natalie not only wears many hats as the Executive Director of Pisgah Area SORBA, but also many hats in life. She is a trail runner, cyclist, rock climber, a white water kayaker, a wife, a mom and more. I was thrilled to sit down with her to talk about her adventures and the trail races she has been a part of, but I also wanted to learn as much as I could about Pisgah Area SORBA. The timing of our podcast could not have been more perfect, as it was a little over a month after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina. After tending to the needs of others, Pisgah Area SORBA (and the wonderful pool of volunteers) jumped into action to safely clear the trails we dearly love. In our conversation, Natalie gives us details on the inner workings of Pisgah Area SORBA, the multiple types of volunteers, the assessment and clearing of trails, and all that is involved. I personally can't thank them enough for all they have done for our running and cycling community. I know you all feel the same. Enjoy our conversation, and if you can volunteer-don't hesitate. There is still SO much work to be done. Thank you, Natalie, for sitting down with me. You were so easy to talk to, and you are one amazing human. Pisgah Area SORBA: https://www.pisgahareasorba.org Pisgah Area SORBA's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pisgahareasorba/ Natalie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_narburgh/ Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/ I would love to hear from you! Please message me through Facing Vert's Instagram. Thank you for you listening!!

Resilience-"the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness" Anne George is, to me, is the definition of resilience. I feel as if she may disagree, but I could see it and hear it when we spoke. First of all, she is a phenomenal runner. If you take a glance at her UltraSignup, it is documented that she has participated and completed 46 truly tough races, and she has been on the podium for 36 of these. Not to mention, she was standing on the very top for 20 of these. I mean...come on! Completely insane and impressive. You HAVE to be resilient to push through and be so successful in these races. But, she is also resilient in life. Most recently this became apparent as she watched, from her front door, Hurricane Helene flood and devastate her hometown of Old Fort, NC. She and her husband, Clint, live right downtown, but their home was fortunately just high enough to not be flooded. After the waters receded, her resilience kicked in and she and Clint rolled up their sleeves to help in whatever way that they could. Now, she will be running for 24 hours at the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival to raise money for her beloved town. Thank you, Anne, for the person you are and for finding the time to sit down with me. Anne's fundraiser (Old Fort Strong Foundation): https://runsignup.com/Race/172151/Donate/49Vpw4tW6CrSl8Uy Facing Vert's fundraiser (Old Fort Strong Foundation): https://runsignup.com/facingvert Anne's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/10938335 Anne's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annewheatly/ Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/ Thank you for your support, thank you for listening, and thank you for being you!