Florida Trail Runners Podcast

It was another year for the annual Long Haul 100! Time and time again, this is the place where so many runners take on the 100-mile distance for the first time! On the chat, we have four of those first-time 100 mile finishers! Russ Hartzell, Tina Wolfe, Daisy Weckerly, and Ivi Stangle.

Russ Hartzell got it done with a time of 31:19:36! He's done races like the Ocho de Mayhem, Blaze Pioneer Trail, Whispering Pines, and the Wildcat Ultra!

Tina Wolfe got her buckle with a time of 31:22:02! She's done races like the Bronze Dragonfly, Vero Beach Octopus, River to Sea, Colt 45, Pinellas Trail Challenge, and the Skunk Ape Night Run.

Daisy Weckerly finished with a time of 30:45:55! She's done races like the 50 Miler at the Keys, Three Degrees of Hell, the RunFluent 7-Hour, and the Skunk Ape Night Run prior to coming out to the Long Haul.

Ivi Stangle, who one half of RunFluent, she got it done with a time of 29:00:52! She's done races like the Skunk Ape Night Run, Grayson Highlands, the Trident, Wild Florida, Forgotten Florida, and Sweat Swat n Swear!

Starting the 2024 Season off where it all started, the Long Haul 100. Frequent guest Andy "Croom" Mathews returns to the podcast to go in-depth into everything about this race. He's also joined by three-time finisher and 3rd Overall at the 2022 Long Haul 100, Jeff Iosa! Also joining the chat this year is two-time finisher and captain of the Boots or Saddles Aid Station, Andrew Barrett!

We analyze the course, answer some questions, talk about what it's going to take to be successful, some tips and tricks, some Long Haul 100 trivia, and yes! We make our predictions for the female and male top finishers for this year! We also chat on who we think is going to have most consistent race, some dark horses, and speculate on some Long Haul 100 rookies.

The Long Haul 100 takes place at Colt Creek State Park near Lakeland, Florida and is Florida's only Western States Qualifying Race. Great for first-timers and veterans alike! The course is a 6 x 16.6 mile loops. There are 3 fully manned Aid Stations and access to your drop bags every loop.

This race is truly the grand gathering of the Florida ultra and trail scene! 

See y'all at Long Haul! 

On the chat, we’ve got a chat with Erin Swanson and Wiatt Bowers on the Orange Belt Trail project that’s been in the works over the past couple of years.

Erin is a Pasco County Project Manager and Wiatt is a Consultant Project Manager for the Orange Belt Trail project.

The Orange Belt Trail is a proposed multiuse trail spanning approximately 37 miles through Pasco County from Trinity to Trilby. It would provide key connections to the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail, and Withlacoochee Trail as well as link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Dade City!

More Info:

https://orangebelttrail.com

http://orangebelttrail.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/OBT_Workshops_4.2023_update.pdf

This year Greg Bargo became third ever Floridian to ever finish the Hardrock 100, he joins Chris Twiggs and Matt Mahoney in that legendary feat to cross the finish line and kiss the rock. He ran a time of 47:31:42 to finish in the Golden Hour. This was a journey that took Greg 10 years in the making.

Greg has also run races like the Western States 100, the DT Stone Anvil, the Grindstone 100, Pine to Palm 100, Pinhoti 100, Rocky Racoon 100, and the Leadville 100.

Heading back to the Skunk Ape Night Run with Tina Wolfe, Kimberly Pasienza, Amy Thornton, and James Mathis.

Tina has done races like the Bronze Dragonfly, Badwater Cape Fear, River to Sea, the Vero Beach Octopus Ultra, Jacks 50k, and Whispering Pines.

Kim, as many may know her from her "Kimspiration Stations" at races. She's done races like the River to Sea, Bronze Dragonfly, and the SWAMP 10k!

Amy is the owner of the RunFit running specialty store in Lutz, Florida. She's also done races like the Sweat, Swat, n Swear and the Moon Over Croom.

James Mathis has been a huge help volunteering over the years and he has also run the Skunk Ape Night Run many times. He;s done races like the Dark Anchor, River to Sea, the Funest 10k, Wild Florida 12 Miler, and Sweat Swat n Swear.

This was the 50th Year of the Western States 100 that starts in the Olympic Valley and ends at the Placer High School in Auburn. On the chat, we've got three of the four Floridians who took on the course! This year Tyler Peterson, Joseph Pinter, and Zach Hanna crossed that finish line to get that belt buckle.

Tyler Peterson has done 100 Milers like the Long Haul 100 here in Florida, the Yeti 100, Burning River 100, Mohican 100, Kettle Moraine 100, Indiana Trail 100, and the Umstead 100. He finished the Western States 100 this year with a time of 25:24:44.

Joseph Pinter has done races like the Cruel Jewel 100, Grindstone 100, Massanutten Mountain 100, and the Pinhoti 100. He also ran at the 2019 Western States 100! In 2019, he ran a time of 29:42:39... this year he ran a time of 29:13:11.

Zach Hanna has done races like the Hennepin 100, Pinhoti 100, No Business 100, Rio Del Lago 100, and the Umstead 100. He finished the Western States 100 this year with a time of 28:37:16.

For almost five decades, the Western States 100 has been home to some of the sport’s most amazing and legendary competitions. It's essentially the Super Bowl of the trail running scene in the United States. With more than 1,500 dedicated volunteers helping to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the race has stirred the spirit of runners from all walks of life and from all over the globe.

This year four Floridians traveled to New York for the Great New York 100 Mile Exposition, also known as TGNY. Mark Cudak, Luis Cocco, Amy Rae, and Diane Romero-Lopez all got those belt buckles! The TGNY starts in Times Square and goes through Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan and Times Square.

Mark Cudak got it done with a time of 22:12:01! He's done races like the Keys 100, Daytona 100, Lake to Ocean 100k, the Long Play, Colt 45, and the Long Haul 100. He's also the head Course Marshall for the Keys 100.

Luis Cocco got it done with a time of 25:37:40! He's the Race Director for the Miami 100, Miami 50/50, Ride the Wave 50k, and the Co-RD for the Space Pirate 100. He's done some crazy stuff like completing the Lollipop 240 and his HERO 200 Mile. He's done races like the Daytona 100, Long Haul 100, LOST 118, Lake to Ocean 100k, Badwater Salton Sea, Pier 2 Pier 200k, and the Vero Beach Octopus 100.

Amy Rae, the Banana Champ, she placed third overall for the females with a time of 23:04:30! She's done races like the Trident, the Sand Spur, the Barkley Fall Classic, the Keys 100, and the Pinhoti 100.

Diane got it done with a time of 29:45:40. She is also the Race Director for the Monroe Cross Trail 50 Mile Ultra in DeBary! She's done races like the Long Haul 100, the LOST 118, Brazos Bend 100, the Yeti 100, the Pinellas Trail Challenge, and the Skunk Ape Night Run.

This year is the 50th year of the Western States 100 in the Olympic Valley. For this episode, we’ve got “Mr. Western States” Andy Jones-Wilkins back for a second time for the "Pre-Western States Chat" with a Florida runner! He's joined by Matt Murphy who got into the race on June 10th, only a two week notice for the Western States 100. They're also joined by Matt's wife, Karen, who will also be out there crewing and pacing!

Matt Murphy has done races like the Holcomb Valley 50k, the Long Play, Croom Zoom, the Javelina 100, the San Diego 100, Sweat Swat n Swear, Colt 45, the Black Hills 100, and the Long Haul 100! His wife Karen, not only does she crew and pace, but she's also ran races like the Skunk Ape's Revenge, the Long Play, Angry Tortoise, Croom Zoom, the Vermont 100k, and the 50 Miler at Umstead.

AJW has done the Western States 100 ten times, placing 2nd in 2005. Over his ten years he has placed in the Top 10 numerous times. He continues now with parking cars out at Robinson Flat, cheerleading, announcing, and helping make things happen! He also has his own podcast called "Crack a Brew with AJW!" So whether he's out there on the course, chatting it up with Trail Runner Nation, or writing articles on iRunFar... He's always representing the sport of trail and ultra running well!

We are back with the 2023 Lake to Ocean 100k, this is one of my favorite races in the state of Florida! I'm always fascinated on how each runner takes on the course. On the chat, we've got Sarah Flowers, Bailey Freer, and Scott Hoover! All three of them absolutely crushed it out there on the course that takes you from Lake Okeechobee to the ocean at Hobe Sound Beach.

Sarah has done races like Death at DuPuis and the Dunes 50k. She's been taking the trail and ultra scene head on! Ofcourse, that makes sense when Leo Acosta could talk about anyone into trying out the trails! Bailey has done races like the Quest for the Crest, Croom Fools Run, the Croom Zoom, Forgotten Florida, and the Georgia Jewel 50 Miler.

Now for Scott Hoover, don't his let mellow tone fool ya! He has done races like the Trident, Skunk Ape Night Run, the Long Haul 100, the Pinellas Trail Challenge, Skunk Ape's Revenge, Quest for the Crest, and Colt 45. He's also taken first place male at the Sand Spur 50k and won overall at the SWAMP 50k, and a third-place finish at the Skunk Ape's Revenge 60k. He's also the Co-Race Director for the Tick Tock and the Funest 50k! He's an all-around great guy that is always willing to help!

Shout-out to Jeff Stephens and Andrea Moxely who make this race possible; as well to Lulu Yun-Pelz for also being out there for all of the hours! So many people from Susan Anger and the Florida Trail Association with endless support and trail maintenance over the years.

Without the Florida Trail Assocation, there is no trail for us to enjoy.

On the chat for the Sweat Swat n Swear, we've got three runners who ran their first ever 50k! Brandy Krisher, Derek Adler, and Britta Devitt. They all got it done with a time of 5:41:30, 6:31:18, and 7:37:56! Also on the chat is your Womens Champion for this year's race, Ivi Stangle! She took it home with a time of 5:28:44!

Brandy also placed Second Overall for this year's race! She's done races like the Skunk Ape's Revenge and has volunteered at races like the Forgotten Florida, and she also takes some amazing photos! Derek Adler is new to the sport, he's done stuff like the Spartan Race, but this was her very first official trail race! Britta, she's done races like the Long Play, Withlacoochee River Run, the Skunk Ape Night Run, and Whispering Pines!

Ivi has done races like the Grayson Highlands, Skunk Ape Night Run, the Trident, Wild Florida 50k, and the Forgotten Florida 50 Miler. She is also the wife of Chris Stangle, as many may know from RunFluent. Ivi is the nutritional half of the RunFluent Team with Fulwise! Fulwise is all things nutrition, from a healthy day to day diet for those that are looking to get the most out of their bodies, as well as, in-race and post-race fueling.

It was another year for the Keys 100 from Key Largo to Key West. On this year's Keys 100 chat we’ve got JD Mcgee, Ty Aronson, Sarah Raaymakers, and Vivianne Zerquera! At the Keys 100, this group got it done and got those belt buckles!

JD got it done with a time of 30:53:42 and he’s even got an awesome new Keys 100 tattoo! He's done races like the Pinellas Trail Challenge, the Toxic Trail, Colt 45, Long Play, Sweat Swat n' Swear, and the Monroe Cross Trail 50 Mile Ultra. This dude has also been a tremendous help with volunteering at so many races like the Skunk Ape Night Run and he has also been a huge help crewing at races like the Lake to Ocean 100k.

Ty Aronson got it done with a time of 30:08:46! He's done races like the Daytona 100, the Long Haul 100, Tunnel Hill, and last year he ran at the Keys 100 with a time of 31:38:57! So it was awesome to see him comeback for a new personal record for the Keys 100 course.

Sarah Raaymakers placed 12th overall with a time 23:27:42! She's done races like the Pinellas Trail Challenge, the Clearwater Distance Classic 50k, and she ran the 50k at last year's Keys 100... talk about coming back for more!

Viviane crossed that finish line with a time 27:31:37 and!  At the end of her race, she was surprised by a huge proposal that you’ll hear all about! what an amazing end so something already so special. She's done races like the Daytona 100 in the 50 Miler event and the Marine Corp Marathon in the 50k event!

Such an iconic and legendary Florida race! From the Race Director Bob Becker to all the volunteers, the Course Marshalls, Mark Cudak, the runners, the crews, the county, and everyone else involved does an amazing job year after year!

This year was the third for the Cocodona 250 put on Aravaipa Running in Arizona. When it comes to Florida, our state had eight runners taking on the challenge of 250 miles across the Sonoran Desert with soaring temps both hot and cold, broken-down RV's, cold plunges into creeks, and more... For this part-one episode we have Justin Davis, Seth Talalla, Kevin Coughlin, and Derek Kirkman!

Justin Davis crossed that finish line with a time of 105:32:45 placing 57th overall this year. He's done races like the Pine Creek Challenge, Legacy Trail 60k, Whispering Pines and the Bryce Canyon 100! He crossed the finish line with Kevin Coughlin! Kevin has done races like the JFK 50 Miler, Manchester 2 Monadnock, and the Traprock 50k! These two dudes pushed and helped each other for miles, it was amazing to see them cross that finish line together.

Seth Talalla got it done with a time of 112:48:10 and placed 97th overall. He's done races like the Moab 240, Pinhoti 100, the Keys 100, the Long Haul 100, Forgotten Florida 100, the Georgia Jewel 100, and gathered up 167 miles at Merrills Mile! Derek Kirkman took the DNF this year at Cocodona, but he took home a massive distance PR! He's done races like the Long Haul 100, Daytona 100, Javelina 100, the Pinellas Trail Challenge, and the LOST 118!

Luis Cocco has done it again with another 200+ mile feat, from last year's HERO 200 in his dojang to now the Lollipop 240! Luis officially finished the Lollipop 240 in 4 Days, 8 Hours, and 32 minutes! A journey took from the beach at Hobe Sound onto the Ocean to Lake Trail, circumnavigating Lake Okeechobee and back onto the Ocean to Lake Trail and back to where it all started on the beach at Hobe Sound. Luis battled the elements from thunderstorms to racing a prescribed burn! Regardless of what was thrown at him, he got it done!

Luis has a lot of 100-mile experience having done the Daytona 100, Iron Horse 100, Keys 100, the Pier-to-Pier 200k, the Long Haul 100, the Lost 118, and the Vero Octopus 100! He's also done Badwater Salton Sea and the Lake to Ocean 100 (Winter Edition), as well as his 200 miles at Hero Martial Arts running 9,696 laps (48.5 laps per Mile) on his 108.9167 foot course. 

Another big factor into this Lollipop 240 was raising money for the Cypress Creek Bridge Restoration Project. The Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association built and continues to maintain this 61-mile trail in Southeast Florida. Due to flooding this past fall the Cypress Creek Bridge is in dire need of rehabilitation. To date of posting, he has raised $10,026 to help rebuild the bridge out there! So THANK YOU to everyone who donated!

Here we are for episode 99! This was the inaugural year for the Funest 50k out at the Loyce Harpe Park in Lakeland, Florida and it was awesome! On the chat, we've got your 50k Champion, Mike Alberts! He crossed the finish line with a time of 5:15:16! We've also got your Female Champion, Kate Morgan. She's a Lakeland local and this course is truly her home course. She got it done with a time of 6:54:26!

Then, we've got your DFL for the inaugural year, Anna Schermerhorn! She got it done with a time of 10:11:35! Then, we've got Brandon Holmes.. and this dude, let me tell ya. Normally people tend to drop down in a race when given the opportunity, not Brandon! He moved up from the 30k into the 50k during the race! He crushed that 50k with a time of 8:32:27!

Last year we covered the 50 miler out at the JW Corbett, so this year we are chatting about the 50k! And on the chat, we've got Chris Stevens, Brenda Lips, and Mark Cudak. This group did amazing! Chris Stevens came out and got First Overall with a time of 5:35. He followed up by Second Overall and the first lady to cross that finish line, Brenda Lips! She finished with a time of 5:38! They were both then followed by Mark Cudak who crossed the finish line with a time of 5:47 to take second for the men and Third Overall!

This group has talent! Chris Stevens has done races like the Summer Slam which includes the Vero Beach Octopus, the Skunk Ape Night Run, and the Trident! He's also done races like the Just Survive 125, the Sand Spur, the Miami 100, the Lake to Ocean 100k, the Swamp 50k, and Vol State!

Brenda has done races like the Trident, the Iron Horse 100k, and she even placed Second Overall at the Long Haul 100!

Mark Cudak, not only is the Course Marshall for the Keys 100... but he's done races like the Lake to Ocean 100k, Iron Horse 100, Daytona 100, Fort Clinch 100, and the Long Haul 100!

Here we are with episode 97! On the chat, we've the Robert Sterba! He's a coach, an athlete, and he recently took on the Zion 100 Mile out near Apple Valley, Utah! This is a race put on Vacation Races and its terrain covers Mesa's, deserts, and some beautiful trails. I think I saw somewhere the total gain/loss floats around 11,114/11,115 with 4 climbs of at least 1,000-1,500 feet each and 6 climbs of 250 feet each.

Neverless, Robert got it done with a time of 23:44:24 to place 14th Overall!

Robert has done races like the SWAMP 50k, Run the Rut, Bandera, and the Long Haul 100! With his coaching background, we chat a lot of training and different methodolgies from the heart rate to nutrition, to the sweat drip! We also jump into running shoes and finding the right fit... and of course, how his race went down!

On this episode we head up to Georgia for the inaugural year of the Canebreak 200 by Jason Green's Yeti Trail Runners! On the chat, we've got two Floridians who got it done...Rex Stinnett and Robyn Abrasley. They absolutely crushed it out there! Rex got it done with a time of 83:05:32 and Robin got it done with a time of 81:14:32!

While this was Rex's first 200 miler, he's done races like the Dark Anchor, the Wildcat Ultras, Bear Bait, and Lake Martin! Likewise for Robyn, this was also her first time for the 200 mile distance! She's done races like the Wildcat Ultras, Bear Bait, the Yeti 100, and the Destin Beach Ultra!

The Canebreak 200 runs past the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company textile mill, through movie locations like The Hunger Games, and wilderness just outside of Atlanta at Sweetwater Creek State Park. The course consists of a 5 mile loop followed by a 10 mile outer loop!

This was the inaugural year for Mikey Bee's Hungryland 100 out at the Hungryland Slough! Man, what a year it was! The finisher rate this year was a whopping 27%, as compared to Mikey Bee's 5 Trails at 50% and the Ridge to Nowhere at 35%. But! This was an awesome year for those seeking to conquer the 100 mile distance for the first time and on the chat, we've four 100 mile first timers!

We've got your overall champion, Jon Kier! He won this year's Hungryland 100 with a time of 22:24:45. He's done races like the Whispering Pines, the Durty B-ee-rr-un, Southern Discomfort, and the Brokentrack 12-Hour!

Also on the chat is Nate King from Wisconsin! He was third overall with a time of 24:23:01. He's done races like the North Face Challenge but has also come down to Florida before for the JW Corbett! Talk about a difference in race dynamics between Hungryland and Corbett!

Then we've got Nick Urena! He crossed that finish line with a time of 32:24:08! Nick rode with me out to the Hungryland 100, so it was awesome to see him get that belt buckle! He's done races like the Skunk Ape Night Run, Skunk Ape's Revenge, the Blue Ridge Ultra 50k, and Legacy Trail 60k.

Corey Setterlund also joins the chat! She got that first belt buckle with a time of 32:30:05! She's helped pace and crew for many 100 milers, but this time she got it done! She's done races like the Gate2Gate, the Dunes 50 Miler, the Osprey, the Angry Tortoise, and Whispering Pines! So don't let her fool you she doesn't secretly love the trails!

The Georgia Death Race is one of those legendary races on the East Coast, it's a point-to-point 70ish mile race through the North Georgia mountains. On the chat, we've got Matthew Johnson from Georgia, Josh Lockwood, and Mr. Pizza Gut himself... Neil Murphy.

Matthew Johnson is a guy who I've ran against before and these North Georgia mountains are his home terf. He's done races like the FATS 50k, the Sky to Summit, Sweet H2O, and the Quest for the Crest.

Josh Lockwood was done races like the Long Haul 100, the Pinellas Trail Challenge, Whispering Pines, and Death at Depuis!

Neil Murphy has now been out to the Georgia Death Race 8 times between volunteering and racing! His 2017 go at the race left him famous for the Pizza Gut meme. Whether know him has the Pizza Gut Guy, or not... He's done races like the Vermont Spartan Ultra Beast, Forgotten Florida 100, Spartan Death Race, and the No Business 100!

The Georgia Death Race is a 74ish mile point-to-point race from Byron Herbert Reece Farm in Blairsville, Ga to Amicalola Falls State Park. The race has 16,000 ft of climbing and 16,000 ft of descent. It is relentless. 

On February 23rd, Andy "Croom" Mathews started the Lollipop 240. This is a journey that starts at Hobe Sound beach and follows the Ocean to Lake Trail, it then circumnavigates the entirety of Lake Okeechobee until you're back onto the Ocean to Lake Trail and heading back to where it all started at Hobe Sound beach. Andy's journey took him 4 Days, 16 Hours, 25 Minutes, and 33 Seconds. He's also joined by Mark Cudak who joined him for some of the most crucial miles in his journey.

The Lake to Ocean Trail runs for approximately 61.5 miles, west from Hobe Sound Beach to Lake Okeechobee where it ends at the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) Trailhead. This section crosses ancient sand dunes with scrub oaks and sand pines to pine flat woods, palmetto and oak hammocks, cypress swamp and wet prairies. It covers Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Riverbend Park, the Loxahatchee Slough, the Hungryland Slough, JW Corbett, and the Dupuis Reserve.

Circumnavigating Lake Okeechobee is a 118-mile journey. Many people are familiar with the LOST 118, a race that runs around the lake, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail offers spectacular views. On the east side of the lake, the views are primarily of islands and vast open waters. The west side of the lake is shallow and marshy.

Recently JD McGee and Melinda Hooper took on the over 57 miles FKT from the Flamingo Visitor Center located on the Florida Bay in Everglades National Park to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Biscayne National Park. They set the Mixed Gender Record with a time of 18 Hours, 37 Minutes, and 11 Seconds!

The route follows Florida State Road 9336, which serves as the main park road within the Everglades National Park and has historical ties to Old Ingraham Highway. The route traverses 38 miles through the heart of Everglades National Park, where you will pass coastal lowlands, hardwood hammocks, mangroves, wetlands, prairies and cypress forests. Wildlife is abundant throughout the course, including birds and the occasional alligator and crocodile sighting.

Once exiting Everglades National Park, you will pass through some of South Florida's farmlands as you head into Florida City, the gateway to the Florida Keys and the Everglades, on your trek to Biscayne National Park.

From Florida City to Biscayne National Park, you will pass alongside various canals teeming with wildlife, including manatees, alligators and various native and migratory birds. The route ends at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center within Biscayne National Park, with vast scenic views of Biscayne Bay from the boardwalk.

Luis Cocco has the Male Supported FKT for this as well, he set that with a time of 10 Hours, 59 Minutes, and 7 Seconds!

The Space Pirate 100 had its inaugural year this year starting in Cape Canaveral and ending all the way south at the Treasure Coast! Starting off on the chat, we've got your Race Directors, Luis Cocco and Tuan Nguyen! These guys had an idea and it's amazing to see it come to life and turn into such an amazing race. 

Then! We've got Sandy VI-Burruss on the chat, she was your second place for the women at this year's Space Pirate! She took it home with a time of 21:42:37! Her experience with the 100 Mile, and over 100 miles is absolutely incredible! In 2017, she set female World Record for the North American Transcontinental Run. That record had been standing since 1978, when South African Mavis Hutchinson ran from Los Angeles to New York City in 69 days.

She's also done races like the Javelina 100, 6 Days in the Dome, Across the Years, Daytona 100, Keys 100, Miami 100, the Lost 118, and she was the Womens Champion at the 2017 Badwater 135! Absolutely amazing!

We are diving back into the Green Swamp of Florida with the 2023 Skunk Ape's Revenge! On this episode, we are chatting with some of those 30k runners! At this year's race, the 30k had 81 finishers! This time we are joined by a group from Marion County who came out to the Skunk Ape's Revenge! We've got Joe Miller, Beth Bayer, Dylan O'Hara, and Bobby Walrath! 

The Marion County runners typically meet at the Landbridge Trailhead on Saturday mornings and these trails are amazing! This is the primary trailhead that was developed to provide access to the I-75 Landbridge. The structure, which is 52 feet wide by 200 feet long, follows a natural ridge over 100 feet in elevation to minimize ecological damage. The planters on both sides of the bridge are vegetated with plants native to the surrounding area. The walls were built from local fieldstone.

One of the races on my bucket list is the Mountain Mist! This is a race that takes place up in Huntsville, Alabama at the Monte Sano State Park and the Huntsville Land Trust Trails. This year Mark Crain, Joao Vitor Novaes, and Jenny Early took on the course and give us a Floridian insight on this Alabama race!

Mark has done races like the North Face Endurance Challenge, John Holmes 50k, Croom Zoom, the Iron Horse 100, Gate2Gate, and the Long Haul 100! Joao has gone from the IRONMAN to the hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail and Jenny Early has done races like the Yeti 100, the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic, and now the Mountain Mist. 

There is around 4,000' feet of climb. There is a vertical climb on the course that requires the use of your upper body going up the infamous Waterline Trail. The final 6 miles drops into and back out of McKay Hollow, very rugged trails.

We are diving right into the Green Swamp of Florida with the 2023 Skunk Ape's Revenge! On this episode, we are chatting with some of those 60k runners! At this years race, nearly half the 60k field dropped down to the 30k distance... so these 60k runners are some real warriors! 

On the chat we've got your overall champion, Kalo Axsom! He took the win out there with a new course record in a time of 5:09:31! He also recently won the Long Haul 100 and the Sandridge 7 Hour! He's run races like the Skunk Ape Night Run, Forgotten Florida, the Keys 100, and the Skydive 100! 

Also on the chat is Shala Reifinger! She traveled down to the race from Georgia! It was awesome to have her out at the race and to have her family supporting and even running out there! Her brother also ran his first ultra at this year's Skunk Ape's Revenge! She's done races like the H9, Cruel Jewel 50, Mystery Mountain, Huff-n-Puff, the FATS 50k, and the Mountain Mist! 

Then we've got Ryan Jacobson! He's one of those Skunk Ape Runners who was at the inaugural year for the Revenge race! He's a guy I swear I see at nearly every single race. He's done races like the Long Play, the Long Haul 100, Colt 45, Croom Zoom, John Holmes, and he's done the Ice Age Trail! 

Then we've got Aaron Ware and his first ultra-marathon! But not only to that, it was really first ever organized trail race. He got it done with a time of 9:07:31! He absolutely crushed it!!! 

Your top four women for this year's Skunk Ape’s Revenge 60k!

1. Amanda Richmond - 6:07:08

2. Sage Lyons - 6:14:34

3. Daylee Sheppard - 6:24:06

4. Cheryl Shelhart - 6:45:02

Your top four men for this years Skunk Ape’s Revenge 60k!

1. Kalo Axsom - 5:09:31

2. Steven Anderson - 5:27:52

3. Matt Krauss - 6:15:24

4. John Benham - 6:44:13

The Forgotten Florida 100 Miler was back for another year! On the chat, we have your back-to-back champion, Max Bennett! He took the win this year with a time of 18:18:47! At last year's race, it was a three-way tie with Max, Aden St Charles, and John Parker who went 19:58:59. So it was awesome to see Max back out there again this year! 

Also on the chat, we have your DFL with 33 Hours, Jusup Sandoval! He has an amazing story going from a wheelchair to 100 miles. This guy has overcome so many hurdles that many, even doctors, would consider impossible. He first attempted the 100 distance at the Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival, but you will hear what happened there. 

Then we've got Joshua Ham from Fort Benning! He got the 100 done with a time of 29:03:41! He's done races like the Blackbeards Revenge 100, Beast of the East 25 Mile, Merrill's Mile, and the Run Undead Trail Party 100 Miler!

And, we've got Michelle Speer who ran her first 100 miler! She got that first belt buckle with a time of 32:41:54! She's done races like the Cruel Jewel 50 Miler and the Tick Tock. This year she plans on taking on the Cruel Jewel 100, so this race was perfect for her to get that time on the feet training! 

The Forgotten Florida is located east of Orlando crossing multiple state forests, conservation and wildlife management areas presenting runners with one of the most biodiverse terrains. Large sections of it utilize the extensive Florida trail. While the terrain is mostly flat, it provides plenty of challenges to runners with its hot and humid climate and sometimes swampy and rainy terrain.

The Monroe Cross Trail 50 Mile Ultra was a race that made its debut last year with Diane Romero-Lopez leading the way as a new Race Director! She has done an amazing job turning this race from a late-night 50-mile birthday run into the race it is today! What a dream come true! On the chat, we've got two runners who ran their first ever 50 miler, Brent Knott and Megan Schweitzer! And! Also on the chat we've got two seasoned veterans, Rachel Alexander and Sean Baum who both ran some 50 mile PR's! 

The race is a point-to-point race that starts in Rotary Park in Edgewater Florida and running 50 miles to the finish line at Central 28 Beer Company in DeBary, Florida. You run the Monroe Cross Trail the Sprint-to-Spring Trail, and beautiful shoreline of Lake Monroe until you reach your turnaround point before heading to Central 28. The Monroe Cross Trail also has the 50k and 17k events too! 

Amazing! 

On this episode we are back at the Long Haul 100, but this time we've got a whole new perspective on the race! Typically, the stories from the race come from the runners, but this time we've got Ali Mathews, Andrew Barrett, and Jessica Calise! They, alongside others, were some of your aid station heroes at the Aid Station Two with the Thompson's! But also, huge shout-out to Julie and Pops... they are absolute legends when it comes volunteering! It was so nice to see them out there this year. 

It's always awesome to hear the perspective from the Aid Station Volunteers, the outlook they have on the race. It's such a blessing, not only looking at from a Race Directors point of view, but also as the runner... we are so blessed to have so many passionate people willing to give-up their free time to come out to a race and help so many people. 

From start to finish; from the front of the pack to the back of the pack... your aid station volunteers log some serious hours and it is amazing what they do! 

Speaking for myself, and probably so many others, I absolutely love volunteering at a race! It is something I would recommend for everyone to try out!  

This year James Mathis took on the inaugural year of the Dark Anchor by Jason Green's Yeti Trail Runners in Savannah, Georgia. He was one of the many Floridians who took on the 3.34 mile course! He went out there and crushed it for 50 miles and a new distance PR! He was, as always, rocking the Team Beef Florida gear and we dive into that, some craft beer, and how the race went down!

James has done races like the River-to-Sea, the Skunk Ape Night Run, the Sandridge, Azalea 12 Hr, and the Seven Trails Ultra Festival! He's also your man at the Fire Berm aid station at the Skunk Ape's Revenge! 

The Dark Anchor takes place at the Wormsloe State Park and follows a 3.34 mile course for 34 Hours! There is a small out-n-back on live oak ave (think Forest Gump!) as this view never gets old. An Anchor with the words 'Refuse to sink' is a firm sign of hope to hold on to. It means that an individual will not let a struggle become an anchor in stopping them to reach their goals. . It can be referenced back to a bible verse, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure".

Enjoy! 

Starting the 2023 Season off where it all started, the Long Haul 100. Frequent guest Andy "Croom" Mathews returns to the podcast to go in-depth into everything about this race. He's also joined by three-time finisher and 3rd Overall at the 2022 Long Haul 100, Jeff Iosa! We analyze the course, talk about what it's going to take to be successful, some tips and tricks, some good ole Long Haul trivia, and yes! We make our predictions for the female and male top finishers for this year! We also chat on who we think is going to have most consistent race and wrap it up with our top four tips! 

The Long Haul 100 takes place at the Cypress Creek Preserve in Land o' Lakes, Florida and is Florida's only Western States Qualifying Race. Great for first-timers and veterans alike! The race hosts a solid mix of double track, single track, sand, palmettos, pines, and wildlife! 

Runners will take on the 10 x 10 Mile Loops to complete the course! One "loop" is made up of three spurs that stem from the main hub/crew area.

This race is truly the grand gathering of the Florida ultra and trail scene! 

See y'all at Long Haul! 

Alright so this is the final episode of the 2022 season! We are talking about the Jupiter Ridge Sand Spur! This episode is coming way after race day with some recording craziness that had me having to bail on the first attempt... but we finally got it done! 

On the chat we've got your Overall Champion in the 50k, Allision Duarte! She absolutely crushed it in the sand going 5:25:52! Second place was Scoot Hoover who ran a time of 6:04:54. In 2021, she ran the Sand Spur 50k with a time 6:37:56 to place 4th overall. Allison has done races like Lake to Ocean 100k, the Osprey, and the Sky to Summit 50k. 

Joining Allison is a Sand Spur and Trident veteran, Eric Desimone. He took on the 82 miles this year and he also placed 13th in the Trident Ridge to Nowhere 12HR/40 Miler back in July! In 2021, he also ran at the Sand Spur and the Trident placing 9th and 16th respectively. He's also done races like the Skunk Ape Night Run, Long Play, River to Sea, and the Toxic Trail 37 Miler. 

He's joined by Shane Loughran! He placed 6th overall this year at the Sand Spur. We all either rust out or wear out, and Shane is crushing it! He's also done races like the Legacy Trail 60k, Dunes 50k & 50 Miler, the Coldwater Rumble 52 Miler, and the Riverbend Park 50k! 

Then we've got your Overall Champion in the 82 Miles, Cole Bataille! Like Eric, Cole is a Jupiter Ridge veteran! He's ran the Trident Half-Marathon and Sand Spur 50k in 2018, the Trident Half-Marathon and Sand Spur 50k in 2019, the Trident Marathon in 2021, and the Trident Ridge to Nowhere 12HR/40 Miler in 2022... he also won ALL OF THEM! However, he took a DNF at the 2021 Sand Spur 5 Trials 81 Miler... but this year he got it done! 

The story of this ultramarathon began during the last ice ages. On the Florida peninsula, sandy hilltop island and coastal dune ridges were the only lands peeking above sea level over 2 million years ago. Then the seas fell, leaving the flat, broad finger of land we now know as Florida. These ancient sand dunes are known as one of the rarest living communities. The Jupiter Ridge Natural Area is a coastal scrub environment, one of the rarest and slowest to rebound if damaged. It is home to 31 plant species and 14 animal species considered to be threatened, rare, or of special concern.

Mikey Bee does an amazing job bringing people out to run different distances and challenge themself to "The 5 Trials!"

The Ancient Oaks 100 took place on December 17th, 2022, this a race full of history. Mike Melton is the current Race Director as the race was founded by the late Stu Gleman. Stu race directed and participated in the race for many years until he sadly passed away in 2016 doing what he loved, running. The course is a 3.46-mile course for a total of 100.34 miles... thats 29 loops! 

This year and on the chat Laura Walker was the overall winner with a time of 22:42:43 and this was her first 100 miler ever! She's had one amazing 2022 year with winning the Skunk Ape Night Run and setting the course record for the women. She also placed 4th overall at the Croom Fools Run 50 miler and has also run races like the Jack's 50k, River to Sea, and the Georgia Jewel 50 miler! 

Also on the chat is Maren Baldwin, she crossed that finish line with a time of 28:58:48! She's done races like the Long Haul 100, Tick Tock, and the Wildcat 100k! 

These ladies are joined by Cody Grigsby, he got his epic finish with a time of 30:15:37! This was his second 100 miler with the first being the Dunes 100 in 2018. 

Enjoy! 

Alright here we are in the new year of 2023! For the New Year's special episode, we've got Lovelyn Findley and the Across Florida 200! She is the first female to complete the Across Florida 200 and get that Belt Buckle! Also on the chat, Lovelyn is joined by her crew... Stephen, Rosa, and Megan! 

Lovelyn is new into the ultra-distance scene with only have done ultras in the past two years! She's done races like the Forgotten Florida 100, the Keys 100, the Skunk Ape Night Run, Sky to Summit, and the Wild Florida 50k!  

Also have to give a shout out to the O-Town Blazers AND the pacers who came out to support Lovelyn in this epic journey; Kalo, Joseph Greenslade, Jordan, Kari, and Luis Espinoza! I was even able to come out and pace and it was freaking awesome to see her knock out those miles hour after after! 

Like Lovelyn said recently; "I am still in disbelief that this happened. Epic adventures are out there! Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people that believes in your dreams. And when possible, be the light for others."

The year of 2022 has been a big one for Gregory Ryan, in this year he has taken on two 100 miler's and several other awesome trail races! Trail races like the Forgotten Florida and the Palm Bluff 50k! In 2021, he also did the Bryce Canyon 50 Miler. But, as for this year in the 100 mile, Gregory took on the Yeti 100 out in Washington with a time of 27:17:33... He also took on this year's Daytona 100, get got that Belt Buckle with a time of 27:49:41. 

It was awesome to get him on and chat about the Yeti 100, Sleeping during 100 milers, and how his race went down at Daytona! 

This year the Daytona 100 was under the leadership of the legend, Bob Becker. This is a course that takes you all the way from Jacksonville Beach to Daytona Beach! On the chat, we've got Ty Aronson, Marty Gardner, and Rachel Alexander! They absolutely crushed it with a 100-mile distance redemption, PR on PR on PR's across the board, AND smashing an A-Goal for the race! 

Ty Aronson, who was previously on the podcast with the Stories from the Pine Creek Challenge, got that belt buckle and completed the 100-mile course for some sweet redemption. His race was truly one-of-a-kind having guided fellow runner Aaron Hale. Aaron lost his vision in Afghanistan when he was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D) Team Leader, however, going against all odds... Aaron never accepts defeat. So, Ty and Aaron together crushed the miles to get across that 100-mile course! The stories are honestly some of the most humbling I've ever heard. 

Marty Gardner not only got that belt buckle, but he was smashing new distances! He also has a podcast called the Miles with Marty Podcast! I listen to it, I dig it, check it out! He crossed that finish line with a time of 28:25:08. This was his FIRST 100 mile finish!!! He's also done races like the Carolina Reaper 50k, Huff'n'Puff Half-Marathon, River to Sea 6 HR, the Jack's 24k, and the Sandridge 7 HR! He's also signed up for the Miami 50/50, the Skunk Ape's Revenge 60k, and the Badwater Cape Fear 51.4 Miler! 

Rachel Alexander crushed her A-Goal for the Daytona 100 getting to that finish line with a time of 23:54:43! This was an amazing race as she's previously ran a time of 27:38:11 at the Brazos Bend 100 miler out in Texas! She's also done races like the Pinellas Trail Challenge, SWAMP 50k, the Palm Bluff 50k, and the Monroe Cross Trail 50 Miler! 

This is one of the most epic tales to hit the podcast with Mike Alberts and Matt Clapper completing the Across Florida 200 with a record time of 67 Hours, 15 Minutes, and 20 Seconds. The previous record was held by none other than David Goggins! This race literally crosses the state of Florida starting at the Withlacoochee Bay Trail near Inglis, Florida and ends at the St. Augustine Pier! 

A shout-out, not only to Mike and Matt, but also to the wives, Sam and Stephanie. These things are never possible without the support of the family and these two ladies did amazing to keep Mike and Matt moving! Not only to that, but the Boyds, this family is truly amazing. This is one of the most humbling stories you'll ever hear, and it is truly heartwarming. The call to serve and the willingness to help out is an understatement... tune in for the full story. 

The Across Florida 200 is a true point-to-point course that has 100 miles on the beautiful Florida Trail, 20 miles of State Park trails, 45 miles of dirt roads, 15 miles of new Rails to Trails, and only 20 miles of road. 

This year was the second Colt 45 Trail Run over at Colt Creek State Park put on by A1 Ultra Events! Perfect weather, fantastic community, wonderful aid stations, and so much more! On chat we've got Mac Jackson, Paul Gibbs, and Walter Estrada. 

Mac is new into the ultra-world with his first ultra being at the JW Corbett 50k back in April of this year. He then went on to give the ole Trident a shot and was rewarded with a sweet DNF (Thanks Mikey) but have no worries... he came out to the Colt 45 and crushed it on his way to train up for the Long Haul 100! 

Paul, also relatively new into ultra-world, came out to the Colt 45 and got his finish with a time of 12:06:22! Somewhere around mile 34-35 Paul had slowed down and was struggling to hit a 25 minute mile. Miles 35-39 were probably one of the worst low points he has ever had during a race. Not to spoil the story, it's his to tell in the episode, but he got back out there on the course to get to that finish!!

Walter has been out to the Colt 45 before running the race last year for the inaugural event! This year he crossed that finish line with a time of 10:22:13. He's done races like the Long Haul 100, but also the Long Haul 100k and 50 miler! He's also done the Gate2Gate 50k, Iron Horse 100k, Palm Bluff, and the Long Play. 

The Colt 45 Trail Run features the beautiful trails in Colt Creek State Park. Runners will travel through "longleaf pine flatwoods, thick cypress domes, and open vistas.

This year Rob Marens come out to Azalea for a fifth time! However, this year he took on the 12-Hour event! Rob placed second overall going 56.5 miles! In 2015, Rob won the 24-Hour with a total of 100 Miles. He then went on to run 108 miles in 2016, 106 miles in 2018, and 99 miles in 2020. 

Rob is also known as Sandal Rob on social media and with that we discuss sandal running, barefoot running, and running in minimal shoes. We also chat about the development of running shoes and how it has changed the biomechanics and gait of runners today. So, a lot of interesting thoughts on that! 

Outside of Azalea, Rob has also run races like the Palm Bluff Trail Races, Croom Zoom, FASTtrack, River to Sea, and Whispering Pines. 

The Azalea 50 mile/12-Hour/24-Hour is RD'd by Winston Fletcher and takes place at New South Farms near Florahome, Florida. This beautiful piece of property is owned and managed by elite Ultra-Runner and 1:18 Half-Marathoner Anne Elise, her husband Alex, and the Stone family. 

This year at the Pinhoti 100, Florida had around 15 runners show up to take on the course! Of the 13 Floridians who made it to the finish line, we've got Deanna Doane, Daniel Ott, Soren Brockdorf, and Robert Sterba! The Pinhoti is a point-to-point 100 miler that starts at the Pine Glen Campground in the Choccolocco Management Area just northeast of Heflin, Alabama. IT's honestly one amazing race and course! Certainly, one of those races that is on my bucket list!

Deanna and Daniel finished together going 29:28:11 and 29:28:15 respectively. Soren came in with his wife Carmen, and what a finish it was! Soren came just behind Carmen going 30:12:30... thanks to a little finish line sprint. As for Robert, he took 23rd overall with a time of 24:49:00... he came through the finish line with his daughter running next to him! What a great moment. 

On the chat for the Stories from the Lake to Ocean 100k - Winter Edition we've got your race leaders! John Parker, he made to Hobe Sound Beach first with a time of 12:27.  Eddy Souza come up next after almost getting beat by Maria Urso! She was hot on his heels as they entered the parking lot for an epic showdown final sprint to the ocean! She was followed up by Kailynn Violette who took fourth place with a time of 13:04. They absolutely crushed it out there! For me? I took the DNF at the Beeline crew stop at roughly 37 miles! 

I just want to give a huge shout-out to Jeff and Andrea... and everyone else who made this race possible. It was EPIC! 

From all the Lake to Ocean veterans to the virgins, everyone who toed the line had an amazing adventure. 

And, those who made it to Hobe Sound Beach like Andrew Barrett who completed his 8th finish of 9 starts out there. Leo Acosta, Micheal Strenzinski, Jessica Sohngen, Luis Cocco, Phillip Jackson, and Shawn Flannery who also completed the course! 

This year Brian Mulrooney comes on to chat about his return to the Gate2Gate 50k at the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park near Alachua, Florida. He came out in 2021 and things didn't quite to plan having him finish the 25k Distance, but this year? He came out for vengeance and got it done! He got that redemption completing the 50k course with a time of 7:24:59! 

He's done races like the Osprey, Skunk Ape Night Run, Skeeter Shoot, the Palm Bluff Trail Race, the Toxic Trail Relay Race, and ofcourse... the Gate2Gate 50k! 

The Gate2Gate Trail Race has the 25k and 50k distances put on by Patrick Gallagher. It begins in the northern region of the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. After the first 5 miles of the course, runners will transition into the double track hiking and birding trails of the southern portion of the park. The southern portion of the race will follow the yellow trail loop through to the western portion of the park with great trails, including some decent hills. Then the course takes the runners on a lesser-known trail connecting runners back to the biking trails on the north end of the park to the start.

In this episode we quite literally cover the front of the pack to the back of the pack! Coree Woltering joins the chat, and he was the first-place overall champion at this year's Blue Ridge Ultra! He's joined by Florida's Amanada Dean, she was the official DFL for this year's race and as we learn... she is super proud of it! Jeff Leininger also joins the chat with the perspective of the Race Director! 

Coree has run all over the world from his first 100 miler at the Dunes 100 here in Florida to Tunnel Hill, the Western States 100, the Black Canyon 100k, Mountain Mist, Cruel Jewel 100, to most recently also placing 6th place at the Clawhammer 50k (one week after winning the Blue Ridge Ultra)! 

Amanda Dean has done races like 12k out at Jack's and she also coaches Cross Country and Track! She's been a lifelong athlete across numerous sports and now she's kicking up into the dark side of Trail and Ultra! 

Jeff is the Race Director and founder of ARGEORGIA! Jeff started an adventure racing club in Florida called Florida Extreme in which he found others to learn from and better his game. Now with ARGEORGIA, he not only still competing, but also putting on events in Adventure Racing and Ultra Marathons! Jeff has completed over 100 expedition and adventure races alongside his son Hunter and close friends. 

The Blue Ridge Ultra 50k consists of 16 miles of the Benton MacKaye trail, 6 miles of hidden trails, and 9 miles of Forest Service roads with over 6,000 feet of elevation change deep within the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest of the North Georgia Mountains.

We are chatting with Doctor Ben Snyder, he was one of the Floridians who took on the Barkley Fall Classic this year with an epic story to tell. In the episode, we chat about psychology, performance, imposter syndrome, finding your why, and how it went down at the 2022 Barkley Fall Classic! 

Dr. Snyder earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2004 and completed a master’s degree in Counseling from the Johns Hopkins University in 2008. He finished his doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia in 2012. He has done races like the Barkley Fall Classic last year with a DNF, the Wy'east Trail Fest in Mt. Hood, and the Gateway 50k. 

The Barkley Fall Classic is designed to give the runner a taste of what the Barkley Marathons is all about. It contains all the elements; beautiful trails thru the rugged Brushy Mountains, surprising new elements to the course every year, with the course map not revealed until the night before the race, numerous hard climbs and descents (including some of the signature hills that have made the Barkley a thing of legend), and a very personal challenge to face down the demons that wait for us at our very limits of endurance.

Mae Barker and Zach Hanna were two of the three Floridians who made to the Hennepin 100 in Illinois this year! From one Western States qualifier to the next, they've done races like the Pinhoti 100, the Laurel Highlands, Umstead, and the Rio Del Lago 100! With a hurricane almost cancelling travel, this power couple was able to manage a flight into Chicago and make it to the race on time. 

Mae finished first place overall for the women with a time of 19:21:04! Zach followed behind with a time of 25:57:56. The Hennepin 100 is Illinois’ only point-to-point, all-trail ultramarathon! It takes you from Sterling, Illinois on the Rock River to Colona, Illinois along the historic and beautiful Hennepin Canal. On the course, you pass by the historic locks and lift bridges, fields of corn, and the multitude of local farms. 

Mae is also the Race Director for the Angry Tortoise 25k/50k! Coming in 2023, the race will be celebrating in 10th year anniversary in the Cary State Forest, located on the outskirts of Jacksonville.