Kallup McCoy II, a Cherokee native from North Carolina, shares his journey from addiction to becoming an ultra marathoner. He struggled with addiction for over 15 years and served time in jail before finding transformation and a new purpose in endurance sports. He started with an Ironman 70.3 race and fell in love with the sense of accomplishment and community. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including losing his father to cancer, Kallup persevered and found hope. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. Kallup shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through running. He experienced years of addiction, attempted suicide multiple times, and even overdosed. However, a series of events, including a near-death experience and a chance encounter with a pastor, led him to find faith and start his path to recovery. After getting out of jail, he decided to run the Trail of Tears route to connect with his Cherokee heritage. This experience sparked his love for running and eventually led him to run a time of 2:40 in the marathon and complete an 800-mile run that would be a journey to a new start. Kallup's story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the transformative nature of running.

Ed the Jester, a record holder for the most 100-mile races completed, shares his journey into running and the challenges he faced along the way. He started running marathons as a teenager but stopped due to knee pain. After going through a period of depression and losing everything in the real estate market crash, he found solace in running again. He gradually got back into running and eventually started participating in ultra marathons. He broke the world record for the most marathons in a year and later set the record for the most 100-mile races in a year. Ed Ettinghausen, also known as the Jester, discusses his running achievements and records in this conversation. He talks about his goal of surpassing the current record holder Walter Handloser for the most 100-mile races completed. Ed shares his motivation to set high goals and push himself to achieve more. He also mentions other records he holds, such as the most lifetime hundred-mile wins and podium finishes. The conversation explores the evolution of the Jester persona and how it represents Ed's unique approach to running and life.

Darren Janzen spills the dirt on his Mid-State Mile adventure, sharing his thoughts, heat-beating strategies, and the hilarious camaraderie of the trail running tribe. From plantar fasciitis to bulging discs, this guy knows pain, but he also knows how to push through it like a champ.

This isn't your normal Sunday stroll. It's about finding your inner wild, embracing suck, and discovering just how far those legs can carry you. So grab your hydration bottle, start your run, and get ready for a dose of trail running inspiration with Darren. You might just find yourself signing up for your next ultra.

In a heartfelt conversation, the reigning Mid-State Mile champion and course record holder Eric Kienle opens up about his inspiring journey into the world of ultra running to his success and hard work to be the last man standing at Mid-State Mile. His evolution as a runner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief.

He shares his stories of setbacks, recounting the invaluable lessons learned from each race. We dive into the details and experience at the Mid-State Mile, a race that pushed him to his limits, is a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and humility in the face of adversity. With raw honesty, he reflects on his personal growth, emphasizing the importance of staying present, running your own race, and not letting external factors dictate your pace. His journey towards sobriety and his commitment to being a better father add a deeply personal touch to his story and will inspire many others to prioritize what truly matters.

Michael Montgomery, an extraordinary athlete with over 1,000 races to his name, reveals a lifetime of dedication and passion for running. From his early days of pounding the pavement in 1982 to finishing 377 ultras and over 200 marathons and counting. Michael's journey is an exciting story that reveals his passion for the sport and the community. He discusses his DNFs, race directing, the community and how it has changed over the last 40 years. Michael's story is a reminder that running is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. It's about pushing boundaries, forging friendships, and discovering the extraordinary within ourselves. Michael's legacy is not just about the miles he's logged, but the lives he's touched and the community he's watched grow and change through the years. His story is a reminder that running is more than a sport; it's a way of life, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of the human spirit.

Rosie Gagnon, an ultra runner, transforms grief into a powerful journey of healing and strength. Inspired by her son Dexter's courageous battle with mental health, she has conquered 73 grueling 100-mile races, each stride a tribute to his memory. Through her inspiring story, Rosie demonstrates the transformative power of sport, finding solace and resilience in the ultra running community. Her incredible journey serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging open dialogue about mental health and suicide prevention while showcasing the indomitable human spirit.

What happens when a guy facing tough times decides to hit the trails? For Ryan, it was the start of an epic adventure he never could have imagined. Join us as he shares his transformation from facing a challenging time in his life in 2020 to running 100 and 200 miler races in less than 2 years. Join him as he recounts iconic races like Warhammer 100, Cruel Jewel 100, Hellbender, and even the Souther States 200-mile adventure! Ryan's love for nature and his work as a regional manager intertwine with his passion for running, creating a unique and inspiring story. So, lace up your shoes and get ready for an adventure that'll leave you wanting to go on that long run!

Join us with ultra runner Brandon Johnson as he shares his inspiring journey to running to his mailbox to lose weight to finishing his first marathon and most recently setting the 12-hour state record. Brandon's passion for running shines through as he recounts the trials and tribulations of training, racing, and everything in between. Whether he's discussing his love for backyard ultras, his family's unwavering support as his pit crew, or his fueling strategies. Brandon's infectious enthusiasm will make you want to lace up your shoes and hit the trails.

In each episode, Brandon delves into a different aspect of his running life, from the mental strategies that keep him going during those dark moments on the trail to the gear and nutrition that fuel his ultra adventures. He'll also share the stories behind his most memorable races, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his aspirations for the future of his running career.