Episode 30 - Running in the Heat

Episode 38 - Alyssa Cook

How do you climb the podium at a 100-miler, win a 12-hour endurance challenge, and balance it all with the chaotic energy of raising a fiercely athletic toddler? In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Cook, known to the running community as @adventureswithfyn [https://www.instagram.com/adventureswithfyn/] on Instagram. Alyssa has been absolute fire on the trails recently, and she joins us to pull back the curtain on her incredible string of racing successes. We break down her dominant victory at the Cacapon 12-Hour Challenge [https://www.facebook.com/groups/248396301968729/], her stellar 3rd-place podium finish at the grueling C&O Canal 100 [https://cocanal100.com/], and her deep, gritty run at the More Miles Last One Standing Backyard Ultra [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=105100]. But beyond the medals and miles, Alyssa opens up about her most demanding—and rewarding—role yet: being a mom to a very active 4-year-old. Alyssa shares her real-world secrets for balancing peak ultra training blocks with family life, making this a must-listen for every parent trying to find harmony between the trails and the living room. And if you want to hear the one song Alyssa would play on repeat if she could only choose one song - Life Goes On - Oliver Tree [https://open.spotify.com/track/0eu4C55hL6x29mmeAjytzC]   Support the Podcast: If Alyssa's story inspired you to balance your own busy schedule and chase your goals, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Episode 37 - Scott Snell

What does it take to become one of the most elite and consistent backyard ultramarathon runners on the planet? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Snell, currently ranked #36 in the world on Yardlore. Scott is a 3x Capital Backyard Champion and set a personal best at the 2024 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, where he pushed to a staggering  88 yards (366+ miles) to capture a World Title. Fresh off his most recent victory at the More Miles Last One Standing Challenge—where he conquered a brutal trail course to take the win at 29 yards—Scott takes us behind the curtain of the "last runner standing" format. We dive into the physical toll of grinding out 4.167-mile loops hour after hour and what it was like to share the trail with his son during his latest triumph. Whether you are aiming for your first backyard loop or looking to crack triple-digit mileage, Scott shares the ultimate blueprint for outlasting the field. * Check out Scott on Instagram: @beast_coast_trail_running [https://www.instagram.com/beast_coast_trail_running/?hl=en] * Read Scott's Elite Race Reports: Beast Coast Trail Running Blog [https://www.beastcoasttrailrunning.com/] * Check out the Global Standings: Scott Snell on Yardlore.com [https://www.yardlore.com/athletes/scott-snell] * Track the Hardware: Scott Snell on UltraSignup [https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Scott&lname=Snell] * Support the Podcast: If Scott's relentless mindset inspired you to get after your own training goals today, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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.