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!

Laura Rollins has had the Western States 100 as a bucket list race since 2017 when she first entered the lottery. Finally her chance came this year, and I was so stoked to follow her on the live stream and tracking whenever I got the chance. When I saw her cross the finish line, I was so incredibly proud of her, and I immediately wanted to know every detail of her experience. That sit-down happened about a week later, and now I get to pass it on to you! What a powerful woman Laura is, and what an epic race of ups and downs she waded through. I loved our time together. She really made me want to do this race! Thank you, Laura!

Laura's Mental Performance Consultant: Marisa Romeo (https://www.marisaromeo.com/coaching)

Running Coach: Aaron Saft (https://www.runningislife.run)

Laura's Instagram: @lrollruns

Laura's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/7695708

Following Facing Vert on Instagram! @facingvert

Thank you for listening!

Rob Berry is extremely passionate about all things running, and that fact soared to the surface on this podcast. Once he discovered that ultra-running existed, he wanted to soak in all he could about the sport. Rob's journey is all about discovering, adapting, learning, changing...just to be better.

Rob Berry and I first met at the Cruel Jewel 100, back in 2023, when we were both running the race. Since then, he and I have kept in touch through Facing Vert's Instagram. When he sent me the live tracking to follow him in the Cocodona 250, I knew no matter how this went for him, I wanted to know all the details! I can't imagine stepping on the line and knowing that I have 250 miles in front of me. For Rob, Cocodona was one of those races that quickly became a dream race. So what happened? Listen to find out. ;)

When you talk with someone about their passion, it becomes so much more than one moment. Thank you, Rob, for sharing so many moments that made you the runner and the person that you are.

Rob had taken all the knowledge and experience and is now a coach! So if you are interested in running an ultra, look no farther! flatlanderrunning.com

Rob's Instagram: rob.b.berry

Facing Vert's Instagram: facingvert

Thank you, as always, for listening!

Shannon Howell...what can I say to explain the level of athleticism, grit, dedication and talent this woman possesses? I first heard of Shannon when I ran the Heartbreaker 50 mile (which she won), and so I decided to look her up on Ultrasignup. Whoa...79 races recorded, and she finished on the podium more than half of these. Mind blowing. Absolutely amazing. So many iconic races she has been able to participate in, and I must say I am a wee bit jealous of her experiences! I could not wait to talk to her, and our conversation did not disappoint. Her running journey is inspiring to put it mildly. We talked about so many of her races and training, and we dove into her experience at Hellbender, but one thing that stood out to me throughout our conversation was her love of people. Whether that was on her group runs or during races, she continued to mention the people she has met and the connections she has made across the country and around the world. As someone that is shy around people I don't know (yes, that's me!), this was so impactful. Her love for trail running and her the joy she finds in others will only help this sport grow and thrive. We need more people like this in all of our lives. Thank you, Shannon, for being an inspiration in so many ways.

By the way, this is my first episode recording over the phone and not in person! I was able to FaceTime Shannon, where I could at least see her face-to-face, but she did not have to travel to me to record. I recently decided to take a leap and purchase new equipment to where I can interview guests from anywhere, and I am so excited about this new development!

Shannon's Instagram: http://instagram.com/runshanyrun

Shannon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9214319

Follow us on Instagram! @facingvert

Thank you so much for listening!

I have learned to expect the unexpected with the amazing people I get to know during these podcasts, and Raven Johnson was no different. Raven had just finished the Hellbender 100 the weekend before we recorded, and not only did she finish, but she finished 3rd female overall! Of course, I wanted to hear every detail of this journey, as I also knew that this was also her first time running the 100 mile distance. When you run ultras, it is extremely helpful to have a 'why' while you are out there...especially in the lows. You can focus in on that 'why' to help you pull through, help you get back on your feet and finish the race. What I did not expect was hearing the depth behind Raven's 'why', and I was amazed by her journey. Raven, thank you for opening up and sharing your story with me. Thank you for your vulnerability, which shows the world your undeniable strength. You are beautiful inside and out, and I feel completely honored to know a piece of your heart. Thank you.

If you want to follow or reach out to Raven, here are some ways...

Raven's Instagram: @ravenrunswild

Raven's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/56373121

Thank you so much for listening! Please share with your family and friends. Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert

Miriam Salloum is the owner of The Runner's Mechanic-a unique running analysis and physical therapy clinic in Asheville, NC. I was looking forward to sitting down with her as our paths have crossed so many times, but we have never had a chance to have a true conversation. I wanted to get to know the person that she is, how she found her love for running, and what inspired her to choose physical therapy as her career path-specifically runners being her main focus. I knew Miriam was smart, but man, she is REALLY smart. Her passion and knowledge are so evident as she speaks, and I was fascinated. We were also able to get into her experience with ultra running, running injuries, how she works with her clients, her time working with Olympic athletes and so much more. The more we talked, the more she exuded gratitude. Gratitude for what she gets to do everyday as she helps other athletes, but also her gratitude for the ability to run. As you will hear, there were times when she thought she would never be able to run again. Now, everyday, every run, and every race she is simply grateful. I wish we could all have that perspective. Thank you, Miriam.

The Runner's Mechanic website: https://www.therunnersmechanic.com

The Runner's Mechanic Instagram: @runnersmechanic_PT

The Runner's Mechanic YouTube

Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvert

Thank you so much for listening!