The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast

Episode 36 - Elizabeth Laseter 3X World Beer Mile Champion

What does it take to run a mile while chugging four beers in under six minutes? In this episode, we are joined by absolute royalty in the track-and-chug scene: Elizabeth Laseter. Elizabeth is a three-time Beer Mile World Champion and one of only two women in human history to officially break the mythical 6-minute barrier in the event, sporting a mind-blowing personal best of 5:56.90. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7KKaX5wJlU] While the beer mile might start as a party trick for most, Elizabeth treats it as the fine-tuned athletic endeavor it is. She takes us behind the scenes of the World Classic, breaking down the intense physical toll of pairing a blazing 70-second lap pace with rapid gas exchange and carbonation management. Elizabeth shares her elite tactical secrets, from her specialized breathing and chugging techniques to why choosing the right beer is key to winning a world title. Whether you’re looking to shave seconds off your local fun run or just want to marvel at elite-level gastrointestinal discipline, this episode is gold. And Harry Styles [https://www.instagram.com/harrystyles/?hl=en], you've officially been challenged to a beer mile. Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @elizabethlaseter [https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlaseter/?hl=en] And Beermile.com: @elizabethlaseter [https://www.beermile.com/athletes/1471] For more info on the North American Classic  [https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/SaintLouis/BeerMileNorthAmericanClassic]

Episode 35 - Maeve Thistel

What happens when you combine an elite work ethic, infectious positive energy, and absolute bravery on the trails? You get Maeve Thistel, aka "Maeve the Brave" (@maevethebrave). Maeve has been completely tearing up the Mid-Atlantic ultrarunning scene, seemingly setting a new course record or climbing the top step of the podium every single time she toes a starting line. In this episode, we sit down with the region's breakout star to find out what fuels her dominant performances. Maeve opens up about her training regimen, how she maintains her signature joyful attitude when the racing gets brutal, and what it really means to run "brave." Plus, she gives us an exclusive inside look at her “audacious” race plans for the rest of 2026 and heading into 2027. If you want a masterclass in elite mindset and pure trail stoke, this is the episode for you.

Episode 34 - 8 races in 7 weeks

How do you survive—and thrive during—eight races in just seven weeks? In this episode, Adam and Katie chat with Chris about his spring racing calendar. Chris just wrapped up a spring racing block that truly tested every gear in his engine. Chris lined up week after week to conquer an incredibly diverse array of challenges. We dive deep into the logistics, the physical toll, and the mental grit required to back up that many starting lines in such a short window. Whether you're looking to build bulletproof recovery or just want to know how to stomach four beers in a mile, Chris breaks it all down.

Episode 33 - John Calabrese aka @Breezytrailhead

What does it take to rack up over 170 ultramarathon finishes while never missing a dance recital? In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly prolific John Calabrese (known to the running community as @breezytrailhead [https://www.instagram.com/breezytrailhead/]). John is famous for his packed race calendar, but behind the jaw-dropping UltraSignup stats is a masterclass in time management, dedication, and family. John opens up about how he balances the grueling physical demands of 24+ hour races with the joyful, high-energy demands of being a dedicated "Dance Dad." If you’ve ever struggled to find the time for a long run between family commitments, this episode is your ultimate guide to making it all work. * Follow John on Instagram: @breezytrailhead [https://www.instagram.com/breezytrailhead/] * Follow John on TikTok: @breezytrailhead [https://www.tiktok.com/@breezytrailhead] * Check out John’s UltraSignup: John Calabrese Profile [https://ultrasignup.com/m_results_participant.aspx?fname=John&lname=Calabrese]  * Support the Podcast: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Episode 32 - More Miles Backyard Ultra Recap

Every hour, on the hour, a whistle blows, a group of runners heads out to complete a 4.167-mile loop, and the clock resets. To the outside observer, a Backyard Ultra like the More Miles Last One Standing Challenge [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=12669]seems straightforward: you just keep going until you can't. But behind that simple loop lies a complex web of logistics, mental warfare, and physical demands. In this episode, Katie is pulling back the curtain on the backyard format by chatting with two people who experience it from entirely different perspectives: Adam shares his experience as the Race Director steering the ship, and Chris talks about getting back into the starting corral loop after loop. If you have ever been curious about the backyard format, wondered what it takes to organize a multi-day sufferfest, or wanted to know how to trick your brain into running "just one more yard," this dual-perspective masterclass is for you.