It has been almost a month since I ran the Looking Glass 100k, and I was finally able to sit down (with myself) and detail out my experience leading up to the race and throughout that day. What a day it was, and I am so so grateful to Brandon of Tanawha Adventures and every single volunteer for putting on such a great race despite so many obstacles. Also, thank you to Marisa Romeo, my pacer extraordinaire, for getting me through the last 30 miles. I literally would not have been able to push through if it if had not been for you. Thank you is not enough. And to my crew (my husband, Jonathan and my youngest daughter, Kayda) for putting up with me at the aid stations, refueling me, and pushing and encouraging me to continue. Lastly, thank you to all the other athletes out there giving it there all in this race. I absolutely LOVED being able to see so many of you out on the course. Thank you for your words of encouragement, your high fives, and huge smiles. Nothing better than this community. And so sorry in advance for anyone I did not mention that I saw (including Andrew, Jake and Wes to name a few!).

I am in awe of what our bodies are capable of, what our minds are capable of, and I am more in awe of the Creator who made each and every one of us to do things that seem to us as impossible. To Jesus, my Savior, I give all the glory. Without Him, these capabilities would not even exist. And WOW, what a way He has given me to see His creation and be enamored. Psalm 19:1-5

Thank you for listening as always. Who knows what will be next for me...

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Looking Glass 100K (Tanawha) website: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

This podcast is so much more than talking to someone new about a race that they conquered. I had never officially met Natasha Castro, but with every picture she would post on Strava or Instagram I felt drawn to her. I can't really explain why that is, but I think her smile made me smile, and you could see the rawness of her emotions with every capture. So when I saw that she had completed the No Business 100, I knew the timing was perfect. Not far into our podcast, Natasha opened up and gave me glimpse into her life story, and I began to quickly see how and why she can dive deep into the pain cave but still find the strength to continue. She had been to much more painful places than these, and she is so much tougher than I could ever dream to be. Nastasha is BEAUTIFUL, like really stunning, but she doesn't even see it. She is so strong, but doesn't seem to realize it. She is such a light, but doesn't realize its' brightness. And for goodness sake, Natasha Castro is a RUNNER who belongs in this sport, and she is finally starting to believe it.

Gosh, I feel truly honored to have met her and for her to share pieces of her life with me. Yes, we talk about her crazy No Business adventure and you will get sucked into this journey, But you will see...it is about so much more than completing a 100 mile race, and that's why I treasure the stories on Facing Vert.

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Natasha's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/99434860

Natasha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncc04/

Natasha's performance coach: Marisa Romeo https://www.marisaromeo.com

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Mountain Running Company: https://mountainrunningcompany

Jen Kurtz joined me on the podcast in August to talk about her creatine study on endurance athletes. She reached back out as she is in need for more runners to participate in her study that are doing the Looking Glass 100k race. If you are at all interested in this, and want to get an additional $250 in your pocket, please reach out to Jen for all the details. BUT, this was not the only reason for this podcast. Jen recently completed her very first 100 miler, and I wanted to dive into every detail. Join us as we walk through her training, her gear and her journey through this very memorable race. Little did I know what an impact her story would have on me. Her joy both in the difficult times and the celebratory ones is so palpable. The way she spoke made me feel as if I was right beside her enduring it all and soaking it all in. As I go into my next race, I will be repeating her mantra...I am strong, I am capable and I am made to do this. Thank you, Jen, for sharing your light.

For more information on Dr. Jennifer Kurtz's study: https://sites.google.com/appstate.edu/creatine-trail-running-study-/home

Episode 074 with Jen Kurtz: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Y779yJSyNls8xVEZoP9eX?si=d6xG5JeTTYSym1hOznSVnA

Jen's email: kurtzja@appstate.edu

Jen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.kurtz.phd/

Rim to River 100: https://www.rimtoriverendurance.com

Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!

Here it is! All the details you need to know about the Looking Glass 100K coming up on November 15th with race director and course designer, Brandon Thrower! Brandon walks us through the course describing the terrain, the elevation, turn by turn. We also discuss the aid stations, crew and drop bag access, and everything else you need to know to be prepared for this race. Enjoy!

Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/lookingglass100k

Marisa Romeo never ceases to blow my mind. To be in the top 25 women at the biggest ultra trail running race in the world is unbelievable...she was 22nd by the way. I had to hear her story, and it did not disappoint. Going in with a great mental state and just reveling in the fact that she was even there was the perfect way to approach the start line. She was ready. Hear about her journey through these majestic mountains, battling crazy cold weather, and overcoming some personal lows and other issues. I found it so interesting to hear two different experiences of this same race back to back (Katti and Marisa). Both women are so strong, and I feel blessed to sit back and watch them excel. Thank you, Marisa, for coming back on the podcast. I SO enjoy our 'catch up times'. I certainly hope you can make your way back to UTMB, and I'll continue to be one of your biggest fans. :)

Marisa's website: https://www.marisaromeo.com

Marisa's coach: Ryne Anderson with CTS

Thank you for listening! Please follow Facing Vert on Instagram @facingvert

If you are enjoying, please share with your friends! Thank you!

I was so pumped to follow several runners on their journey through the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy during the UTMB 100 miler. One of these incredible runners was Katti Jackson, and I stalked her on the live tracking until she crossed the finish line back in Chamonix. Little did I know the ups and downs she fought through to get there. I purposely did not look at any of her recaps of the race, because I wanted to hear directly from her first hand. I wish I could describe how strong she is, but her performance out there after a horrific first night, speaks to this better than words can. Now, she may not think so, as I could see the disappointment in her face as she spoke about her experience. But that's what I love about Katti...her her hunger to just get better combined with a humility that makes her unstoppable. She will come back to take on this course again...I just know it. Thank you, Katti, for sharing your journey. I treasured every second of our time.

Dr. Jennifer Kurtz is an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. She specializes in nutritional supplementation, performance and recovery, and she is also a sports nutritionist. She understands endurance athletes because she is one...an ultra runner, a mountain biker and a snowboarder. She is QUITE the athlete and incredibly smart. Her first ultra was the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K put on by Tanawha Adventures. Now she has decided to investigate the effects of creatine on cognitive function and performance recovery following ultramarathons. She is specifically working with athletes running in events put on by Tanawha Adventures. Jen’s study sounds absolutely intriguing, and I would love to see the results when this is completed. Jen taught me so much through this podcast, and I really loved her personality and her passion for her work and endurance sports. She is already doing so much for our community. After listening to the podcast, you may be consider being part of her field study. If so, please connect with Jen via her website, https://sites.google.com/appstate.edu/creatine-trail-running-study-/home. Also her email is kurtzja@appstate.edu.

Thank you, again, Jen for reaching out and coming on to the podcast! Looking forward to running with you in the future! :)

Jen Kurtz's Instagram is @jen.kurtz.phd

Thank you for listening! Please follow Facing Vert on Instagram (@facingvert).

Michael Poole just recently completed the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run in Colorado, which just so happens to be a dream race of mine, so I was excited to talk to him about his experience. Michael has been trying to get into Hardrock for 11 years, and finally he was pulled from the waitlist just a little over a week before the race and told he was in. Crazy! I loved hearing about his running journey through the beautiful, yet unforgiving mountains of Colorado. Out of the 22 one hundred milers that he has done (yes, I said 22!), Hardrock took him the longest, but was one of the most gorgeous races that he has experienced. The amount of ultras that Michael has done is unbelievable, and he just continues to get stronger and fall more in love with the sport and this community. Michael was so easy to talk to, incredibly laid back and super humble. Michael, thank you for FaceTiming with me and sharing your running journey. And thank you to your amazing wife, Claire, and your two girls for their patience while I kept you on the phone! I am looking forward to seeing you continue to add belt buckles to your collection!

Michael's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtpoole/

Michael's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/18746734

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!