Alyssa Clark - The Word's Toughest Races

In this gripping episode of Distance to Empty, hosts Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes are joined by Alyssa Clark, an accomplished ultra-runner and coach for UpHill Athlete. Alyssa delves into her journey from being inspired by Ultramarathon Man to a seasoned competitor who's faced the brutal challenges of the world's toughest ultras, including the Moab 240, which she won in 2022.

Alyssa shares the highs and lows of her racing career, from the joy throughout her entire Hurt 100 race in 2023 to the despair on the mountainside during the Tour de Geants. With honesty and vulnerability, she discusses the mental and physical battles endured in races like Dragon's Back and Tour de Geants, emphasizing the transformative power of pushing past perceived limits.

The conversation shifts to Alyssa's coaching philosophy with Uphill Athlete, where she underscores the importance of tailored training, strength conditioning, and the unique challenges of preparing for 200-mile events. Alyssa's approach to coaching and racing highlights the nuanced balance between rigorous preparation and the mental resilience required to tackle such demanding distances.

Listeners will find inspiration in Alyssa's relentless pursuit of her limits and her commitment to evolving both as an athlete and coach. This episode is not just about the distances covered but about the journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and the unyielding quest to find one's distance to empty.