The Journey Running Podcast

34. I Wrote a Book! Beyond the Singletrack: How Ultrarunning Taught Me to Live

In this episode, Stefan Schuster discusses his new book Beyond the Singletrack, sharing insights on ultrarunning, personal growth, and life lessons learned through endurance sports. He also details the writing process, inspirations, and how running shapes character and success. Book Summary: From middle school miles and marathons to some of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world – including the Moab 240, Sangre de Cristo 100, Bear 100, Bighorn 100, and more – Beyond the Singletrack follows a journey shaped by endurance, love, failure, and persistence. But this isn’t just a collection of race stories. Each chapter reflects on mental health, identity, relationships, and even the meaning of life. Running has a way of challenging how we set goals, define success, and respond to adversity. It exposes who we are and what it means to pursue something that matters. This book asks the questions from the trail. I hope these words stay with you beyond the singletrack. I hope they shape how you live, think, and show up in life. I hope they challenge you to refine your values, and ultimately, to become a better person through the pursuit of what you love.  This is more than a sport. This is how you learn to live. Pre-order your signed copy here: https://www.journeyruncoaching.com/book [https://www.journeyruncoaching.com/book] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035095/fan_mail/new] Journey Running Links Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com Instagram: Journey_Running Facebook: Journey_Running Tiktok: JourneyRunning Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

33. Go Do Something Impossible with Jill Wilkins - A Cocodona 250 Recap!

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, Stefan Schuster interviews Jill Wilkins, a remarkable ultrarunner who recently completed the Cocodona 250.  They discuss her journey from beginner to 250-mile finisher, overcoming challenges like eating disorders, and  life-changing lessons learned through ultrarunning. Jill also walks listeners through her experience at this year's Cocodona 250, highlighting the highs and lows of her journey. Jill talks about how doing something she though was once impossible - running 250 miles - changed her life and how you can too. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035095/fan_mail/new] Journey Running Links Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com Instagram: Journey_Running Facebook: Journey_Running Tiktok: JourneyRunning Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

32. Jackpot 100 Race Report

In this episode, I share my detailed experience at the Jackpot 100. I cover race strategy, mental toughness, self-care, social interactions, lessons learned from running on concrete and review my performance as well. This episode offers valuable insights, tips & tricks for ultrarunners who are looking to improve their race approach and mindset at looped ultras. I also give a detailed report of my day before the event, which was unfortunately eventful. Chapters 00:24 Introduction to Journey Running Podcast  04:40 Pre-Race Preparations and Challenges  24:18 Race Day Experience and Strategy  33:51 Mental Toughness in Ultra Running  34:18 The Mental Cycle of Ultra Running  36:39 Self-Care Strategies During Races  40:55 Challenges of Running on Concrete  45:32 Social Connections in Ultra Running  53:29 The Role of Music in Performance  01:00:57 Performance Goals and Reflections  01:06:41 Celebrating Achievements in Ultra Running  01:07:51 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running  01:08:19 Closing Thoughts Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035095/fan_mail/new] Journey Running Links Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com Instagram: Journey_Running Facebook: Journey_Running Tiktok: JourneyRunning Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

31. Josh Sprague - Owner of Orange Mud & Seven Clay on Reinventing Outdoor Gear & Adventure Racing!

In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud and Seven Clay where they explore his journey from endurance athlete to successful entrepreneur. They discuss industry changes, product innovation, and the importance of perseverance and positivity. Josh also shares a few of the many stories he has amassed from his time as an adventure racing participant. He discusses safety in ultra running and how important navigation skills are, in being a successful outdoor adventurer. Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster Chapters 00:24 Introduction to Josh Sprague and His Companies  13:36 Josh's Endurance Journey and Passion for Trail Running  18:56 The Evolution of Adventure Racing and Its Challenges  21:44 The Birth of Orange Mud: A Solution to Gear Frustrations  37:13 Turning Ideas into Reality: The Challenges of Product Development  37:42 Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges  43:34 Navigating the Advertising Landscape  48:35 Evolution of the Outdoor Gear Industry  55:12 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship  58:01 The Birth of New Ventures  01:07:20 Lessons from a Life-Altering Adventure  01:13:32 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running  01:14:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035095/fan_mail/new] Journey Running Links Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com Instagram: Journey_Running Facebook: Journey_Running Tiktok: JourneyRunning Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

30. Race Director John Lacroix on the Future of Ultrarunning & Importance of Community

In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews ultrarunning Race Director John Lacroix, owner and founder of the Human Potential Running Series. John has directed the second-most ultramarathons in the sport’s history and has completed 24 100-mile races himself. Drawing from his experience as both a race director and an athlete, John reflects on the evolution of ultrarunning since he entered the sport in 2005, his transition from competitor to race director, and the core values that shape the ultrarunning community. He also shares thoughtful perspectives on the sport’s future, including its relationship with land management agencies, the tension between grassroots culture and corporate influence, and what it will take to preserve the spirit of ultrarunning as it grows. For more information about the Human Potential Running Series, please visit: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/ [https://humanpotentialrunning.com/] Chapters: 00:24 Introduction to John LaCroix and His Achievements  08:32 The Evolution of Ultra Running and Race Directing  11:22 The Challenge of Niwot and Its Unique Format  14:35 The Barkley Marathons: A Hot Take on Newcomers  17:26 The Importance of Map and Compass Skills  20:34 John's Journey into Ultra Running  23:32 The Changing Landscape of Ultra Running  26:36 The Role of Social Media in Ultra Running  29:30 Transitioning from Runner to Race Director  32:44 Values Behind Human Potential Running Series  38:10 The Evolution of Human Potential Running Series  39:38 Challenging Traditional Race Values  42:23 Inclusivity and Diversity in Ultra Running  48:52 Understanding Justice and Neurodivergence  01:02:29 The Future of Ultra Running and Personal Growth  01:17:54 Introduction to the Current State of Racing  01:18:38 The Evolution of Race Registration and Participation  01:21:06 Community and Volunteerism in Racing  01:25:42 The Shift from Community to Business in Racing  01:27:33 The Extraction Phase of Ultra Running  01:37:22 The Future of Grassroots Racing  01:38:59 Permitting Challenges in the U.S. vs. Europe  01:45:13 The Future of Trail Racing and Land Management  01:48:43 The Oligarchy of Trail Running  01:51:45 Balancing Tradition and Modernization in Trail Running  01:54:41 Creativity in Race Directing and Event Concepts  01:57:46 Reflections on FKTs and Their Impact  02:01:26 The Journey of a Race Director and Personal Growth  02:17:34 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running  02:18:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035095/fan_mail/new] Journey Running Links Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com Instagram: Journey_Running Facebook: Journey_Running Tiktok: JourneyRunning Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster