**Warning: sensitive material is discussed in this podcast**

Ally Carlton was recently on the podcast after she grabbed the FKT both North and Southbound on the Art Loeb Trail within three weeks of each other. Pretty astounding to say the least. And then, in March, Ally crossed the finish line of the MST 100 as the female winner and third overall, despite the horrible weather conditions. But, this episode contains so much more than a race recap of her grind through this race. This episode is raw and real. Ally mentioned in our first episode together that she experienced trauma as a teenager but did not elaborate. But on this episode she was ready to talk about her experience for the first time in a public setting. Yes, her accomplishments are impressive, but her bravery to share, to hopefully help others, is so much more impressive. I am so proud of you, Ally. Your strength, your bravery, your heart to help others, your honesty and your authenticity is beautiful. You are beautiful. Thank you.

Ally wants you to reach out to her if need to talk to someone. You can find her on Strava, and message her through this platform. Click here: Ally's Strava

I have no affiliation with this website, but according to RAINN.org, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. If you need help, they ask that you call 800.656.HOPE (4673).

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram, @facingvert. As always, thank you for listening and sharing with others.

We are putting this episode out early because 7 Sisters is right around the corner!

On this episode I sat down with Brandon Thrower, of Tanawha Adventures, to get all the details on his upcoming 7 Sisters 25K. According to the Tanawha Adventures website, "The Seven Sisters 25k is a monstrous mountain of a run around the East and West ridges of the Montreat Wilderness! The route passes over multiple peaks and overlooks including; Lookout Rocks, Rocky Head, Graybeard, Rattlesnake Rocks, and of course the Seven Sisters themselves along the treacherous West Ridge Trail."

This is a sold out race, and will be held on April 13th, 2024 at 9:00 AM. Brandon goes through every inch of the course, plus other details that every participate and fan will want to know. If you are even thinking of running this race in the future, his description of the course will definitely convince you!

Tanawha Adventures Website

Tanawha Adventures Instagram

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram and message me there! Thank you so much for listening!

On this episode, you will hear about my experience running the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K that took place on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Somehow I came in first lady and 11th overall with a time of 6:59:59...right under that 7 hours! Turned out to be a beautiful day of running with unexpected views, new friends, and lots of grumbling about gravel roads. :) Needless to say, it was an amazing day to be out on the trails. Thank you to Brandon Thrower, with Tanawha Adventures, for putting on this event. Also thank you to the sponsors for the sick awards...beautifully handcrafted logo wood carving by Jonathan Ibach, a handmade medal by Hannah Thrower, a free pair of shoes from La Sportiva, gift card from Mountain Running Company, and some delicious coffee from Victoire Coffee Company. Wow! Also thank you to Kim Greene for crewing me at Neal's Creek, to my family for cheering me to the finish, to all the volunteers for your encouragement and service, and to all the athletes that were out there grinding like me. A special thank you to the fierce and strong ladies that pushed me to run my best, especially Becca Morris and Becca Johnson (2nd and 3rd female). You are beasts, and it was an honor to race with you. Congratulations to all who ran both the 55K and the 50 miler. So proud of every single one of you! Sorry it is just my voice on this one, but I hope you enjoy!

Tanawha Adventures

La Sportiva

Mountain Running Company

Jonathan Ibach (woodworks)

Message me via Instagram, @facingvert, or email me at tara@runwnc.com.

My gear: Nike Wildhorse Trail Shoes, Black Diamond Poles, Salomon 12 pack

Nutrition: Untapped Maple, Gu Liquid Energy, Gu Roctane, Probar Chews, Cliffs Bloks

Thank you for listening!