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.