

Distance To Empty
Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes
Become a Subscriber: http://patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod
Distance To Empty will take its audience deep into the world of ultra-endurance running, with a particular focus on races exceeding 200 miles. Through in-depth interviews with athletes, race organizers and sports scientists, the episodes shed light on the unique challenges and strategies involved in tackling these extreme distances. Tune in and learn what it takes to reach your distance to empty.
Distance To Empty will take its audience deep into the world of ultra-endurance running, with a particular focus on races exceeding 200 miles. Through in-depth interviews with athletes, race organizers and sports scientists, the episodes shed light on the unique challenges and strategies involved in tackling these extreme distances. Tune in and learn what it takes to reach your distance to empty.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
Cocodona 250: A Deaf Runner's Perspective w/ Alynn Davis
Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPodWant to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this conversation, Alynn Davis shares her experiences as a deaf runner participating in the Cocodona 250, an ultra marathon in Arizona. She discusses her motivations for joining the race, the unique challenges she faced due to her deafness, and the importance of accommodations and communication during the event. Alynn reflects on powerful moments throughout the race, including emotional highs and lows, and expresses her commitment to returning to Cocodona in the future to continue her journey and give back to the community. In this conversation, Alynn Davis shares her experiences as a deaf runner, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the running community. She discusses the challenges faced by deaf runners, the need for better communication tools during races, and the significance of patience and awareness among all runners. Alynn reflects on her personal growth through participating in events like Cocodona, highlighting the impact of community support and the shared experience of running. The conversation concludes with insights on finding one's limits and the ongoing journey of self-discovery in the sport.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 25min
The 200+ Mile Gear Guide
Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPodWant to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode of the Distance to Empty podcast, hosts Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes dive deep into the essential gear needed for ultra marathons, particularly focusing on 200+ mile races. They share their personal experiences and recommendations, covering everything from headgear like sunglasses and headlamps to upper body clothing and hydration packs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of testing gear personally and customizing it for comfort and efficiency. Listeners can expect valuable insights into the gear that can make or break an ultra marathon experience. In this episode, Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes discuss essential gear for ultra running, covering topics from clothing and footwear to technology and comfort items for aid stations. They share personal experiences and preferences, debating the merits of various products and strategies for maintaining comfort and efficiency during long races. The conversation also touches on the importance of motivation and personal touches in gear selection.

May 26, 2025 • 1h 10min
Project Cocodona: Finn Melanson’s Bold Vision for the Future of 200s
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, Peter & Kevin chat with Finn Melanson . They discuss Finn's experience at the Cocodona 250 race, focusing on his ambitious goals, strategies for improvement, and reflections on performance. They delve into the importance of sleep management, training approaches, and the evolution of media coverage in ultra running. Finn shares insights on the future of 200-mile races and his vision for a cohesive team strategy in trail running. In this conversation, Finn Melanson discusses the intersection of training and storytelling in ultra running, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics and the role of the instigator in bringing ideas to life. He reflects on his upcoming challenges, including the Mammoth 200, and the balance between personal goals and media coverage. The discussion also touches on the future of ultra running, the significance of temperament in long-distance races, and personal experiences of highs and lows during races. Finn shares insights on favorite foods and gear for 200-mile races, concluding with his ongoing search for distance to empty.

May 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Finding Distance to Empty on New York’s Long Path with Kim Levinsky
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this conversation, Kim Levinsky shares her journey as an ultra runner and race director, focusing on her recent FKT attempt on the New York Long Path. She discusses the challenges faced during the attempt, including extreme weather conditions and personal struggles, as well as the importance of crew support and nutrition. The conversation also delves into the mental health aspects of ultra running and the upcoming documentary that captures her experience and its connection to mental health awareness. In this conversation, Kim Levinsky shares her transformative experiences during her endurance journey on the Long Path, discussing the importance of self-discovery, the evolving nature of one's motivations, and the mental challenges faced in ultra running. She emphasizes the significance of planning for endurance events and reflects on the healing aspects of these challenges, while also looking forward to future races and mental health advocacy efforts.

May 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
2025 Cocodona 250 Recap w/ the Distance to Empty Boys
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode of the Distance to Empty podcast, co-host Peter Noyes interviews Kevin Goldberg about his experience in the challenging 2025 Cocodona 250 ultra marathon. They discuss Kevin's goals, mental preparation, training, gear choices, and the significant impact of weather and mud on the race. Kevin shares insights on new course changes, particularly the Hangover Trail and Elden Reroute, and reflects on his successful Mingus descent. The conversation highlights the importance of crew support, nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the race, especially when faced with unexpected challenges like a shin issue. Ultimately, Kevin emphasizes that the journey and experience of the race are more important than the finish time. In this conversation, Kevin Goldberg shares his experiences and reflections on the Cocodona 250 race, detailing the challenges he faced, the importance of sleep, and the joy of finishing. He discusses the highs and lows of the race, the significance of aid stations, and the transformation he felt after getting a much-needed rest at Trinity. The conversation also touches on the excitement of the finish line celebration and a recap of the Flagstaff Bound event, highlighting the achievements of various athletes. Finally, Kevin reveals his plans for the future, including taking a year off from Cocodona and exploring new opportunities in the running community.

May 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
From a Poker Table Bet to Running the Arizona Monster 300 w/ Ryan Snickles
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this conversation, Ryan shares his journey into ultra running, detailing how a bet among poker friends led him to complete a 70-mile run with minimal preparation. He discusses the motivations behind his running, particularly the desire to be present for his daughter, and reflects on his experiences during the Arizona Monster 300 race. Ryan emphasizes the importance of community, the balance between competition and personal growth, and the benefits of disconnecting from social media during races. He also shares valuable lessons learned from previous races and his approach to problem-solving in endurance events. In this conversation, Ryan shares his insights on setting personal goals in racing, the strategic nature of backyard racing, and the challenges faced during the Monster race. He reflects on the importance of community and influence in his running journey, emphasizing resilience and the lessons he hopes to impart to his daughter. The discussion highlights the emotional highs and lows of endurance racing, as well as the continuous evolution of personal limits.

May 3, 2025 • 19min
Shelby Farrell is Flagstaff Bound at the 2025 Cocodona 250
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Welcome to our Flagstaff Bound series! We'll be hosting this series along with Aravaipa Running in the lead up to the 2025 Cocodona 250.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, host Kevin Goldberg and co-host Peter Noyes welcome Shelby, an inspiring voice in the ultra running community, as she prepares to race in the Cocodona 250 after recovering from a significant injury. Shelby shares her journey of overcoming physical and mental challenges, the importance of community support, and the strategies she has developed to build a strong support crew for the race. The conversation delves into the fears and excitement surrounding the upcoming race, as well as the personal goals Shelby hopes to achieve beyond just finishing times.

May 2, 2025 • 20min
Cam Hanes is Flagstaff Bound at the 2025 Cocodona 250
Cam Hanes, an endurance athlete, author, and bow hunter, shares his thrilling journey toward the Cocodona 250. He discusses the unique mental and physical challenges of ultra running, emphasizing the beauty of nature and community. The conversation dives into the psychological hurdles that come with unexpected fatigue and race planning strategies. Cam also reveals the powerful ‘keep hammering’ mantra and reflects on the authenticity required in the sport, all while sharing humorous anecdotes from past races.

May 1, 2025 • 22min
Wes Plate is Flagstaff Bound at the 2025 Cocodona 250
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Welcome to our Flagstaff Bound series! We'll be hosting this series along with Aravaipa Running in the lead up to the 2025 Cocodona 250.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, host Kevin Goldberg and co-host Peter Noyes welcome Wes Plate, a seasoned ultra runner and YouTuber, to discuss his experiences with the Cocodona250 race. Wes shares insights on his journey through multiple 200-mile races, the community aspect of ultra running, and the importance of documenting these experiences for future runners. The conversation delves into the growth of the ultra running community, the significance of gear and strategies, and the legacy that Wes hopes to leave in the sport. As he prepares for his fifth Cocodona250, Wes emphasizes the value of perseverance and the deeper motivations behind endurance racing.

Apr 30, 2025 • 22min
Mike McKnight is Flagstaff Bound at the 2025 Cocodona 250
Want to support us? Use code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Welcome to our Flagstaff Bound series! We'll be hosting this series along with Aravaipa Running in the lead up to the 2025 Cocodona 250.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, host Kevin Goldberg and co-host Peter Noyes welcome ultra runner Mike McKnight, who shares his experiences and insights on the Cocodona 250 race. They discuss the unique community surrounding the race, the importance of sleep management in ultra running, and Mike's approach to challenging himself through multi-sport training. As they look forward to the upcoming race, Mike shares his strategies and what he hopes to achieve, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and connection in the world of ultra running.