Distance To Empty

In this episode of Distance to Empty, Natasha Swartley shares her journey from military service to becoming a trail race medic. She discusses her experiences in ultra running, the challenges faced by athletes, and the importance of proper medical care in endurance races. Natasha highlights common medical issues such as nutrition and GI problems, blisters, and the psychological aspects of racing. She emphasizes the need for specialized medical support in ultra events and shares memorable moments where her interventions helped runners overcome obstacles and finish strong. In this conversation, Natasha Swartley shares her insights on the medical aspects of ultra running, focusing on injury management, the importance of hydration, and the mental challenges faced by runners. She emphasizes the need for preventative measures and mental resilience, while also drawing inspiration from the determination of ultra runners, particularly those who finish at the back of the pack. Natasha's personal journey and upcoming participation in her first 200-mile race highlight the transformative power of ultra running.

In this episode of Distance to Empty, Sarah shares her recent victory at the Moab 240 race, reflecting on her journey through ultra running, the challenges of training, and the importance of crew support. She compares her experiences at Moab and Cocodona, discussing the unique aspects of each race and how they shaped her approach to endurance racing. Sarah emphasizes the mental challenges faced during long races and the strategies she employed to overcome them, highlighting the significance of experience and preparation in achieving success. In this conversation, Sarah shares her experiences and insights from the Moab 240 race, discussing the challenges of the course, her nutrition strategies, sleep management, and the importance of mental resilience. She reflects on her future goals in ultra running and emphasizes the significance of recovery after such demanding events. Sarah also highlights the role of her crew and the support system in achieving her racing goals.

Welcome to our SPOOOKY episode! In this episode, Kevin Hadfield shares his journey into ultra running, discussing his experiences with the Tour de Geants and Cocodona races and reflects on the challenges of long-distance running, including the phenomenon of hallucinations during races. Additionally, he connects his career in medical legal death investigation to his experiences in ultra running, exploring the psychological aspects of endurance sports. In this conversation, Kevin Hadfield shares his experiences as a coroner and endurance racer, discussing the emotional and psychological challenges he faces in both fields. He reflects on the objectivity required in death investigations, the surreal hallucinations experienced during long races, and the physical toll of altitude sickness. Kevin also delves into the mental struggles of endurance racing, including disassociation and the limits of human endurance, while contemplating future goals and the lessons learned from his experiences. Here is the link to donate to John Kelly's, Hurricane Helene, GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bypass-bureaucracy-for-mountain-areas-affected-by-helene?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYrjar9Zm2MO0uZw9v0341pgw4jDG15hUHq7p2a5EpR0SR4Bn33QfouYRo_aem_5R7gjI2yJB3x3Tjzl_5cSA

In this episode, Kevin and Peter provide an in-depth preview of the Moab 240 ultra marathon, sharing their personal experiences and insights from the race. They discuss the course layout, key updates for the upcoming race, and detailed descriptions of each section, including challenges and strategies for success. The conversation also touches on the importance of pacing, nutrition, and mental preparation for such a grueling event. Listeners can expect valuable tips and anecdotes that will help them navigate the Moab 240 course effectively.

In this conversation, Arlen Glick shares his journey into ultra running, focusing on his experience at the Cocodona 250. He discusses the transition from shorter races to the 200-mile distance, the training adjustments he made, and the mental strategies he employed during the race. Arlen reflects on the challenges he faced, particularly during the second day, and emphasizes the importance of sleep and nutrition in endurance racing. He also shares insights on competition, his pacer's role, and his future plans in the sport.

In this episode, Cole Crosby shares his experience of winning the Cowboy 200, a uniquely challenging 200-mile race in Nebraska. He discusses the unique aspects of the race, his training regimen, and the mental fortitude required to push through the pain and exhaustion. Cole emphasizes the importance of hydration, crew support, and personal management during ultra races. He also compares the Cowboy 200 to other races like Cocodona, highlighting the differences in terrain and race dynamics. Throughout the conversation, Cole reflects on his journey in ultra running and offers advice for those looking to tackle their first 200-miler.

Dr. Jesse Reilly shares his background in working with runners and endurance athletes and his approach to pain management. He emphasizes the importance of an evidence-based approach and individualized care. He discusses the role of the brain in interpreting pain and the need to find a balance between pushing through discomfort and avoiding injury. Dr. Reilly also addresses the use of the RICE protocol and the importance of movement in recovery. He explores the mindset and mental strategies that can help athletes navigate pain during races. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the evolution of sports performance over the past century. In this conversation, Dr. Jesse Riley discusses the role of strength training in ultra-endurance events and the importance of individualized treatment plans. He emphasizes the need for consistency and realistic expectations in training and highlights the value of addressing mental health and overall well-being. Dr. Riley also offers insights into virtual treatment options and the benefits of a cash-based model. The conversation concludes with a discussion on favorite training foods and gear, as well as the ongoing pursuit of personal goals.

In this episode of the Distance to Empty podcast, Kevin and Peter interview Regina, a veteran of the Divide 200 ultra marathon. They discuss the different sections of the race and Regina shares her experiences and challenges. The race starts with an easy section, followed by a difficult and technical section with route finding challenges. Regina talks about the importance of having a crew and the aid stations along the way. She also mentions the night sections and the beautiful views of the course. The episode ends with a discussion about the upcoming sections and the addition of extra distance to the race. Regina discusses her experience running the Divide 200 race, focusing on the different aid stations and sections of the course. She talks about the adjustments made to the route and the challenges she faced, including sleep deprivation and hallucinations. Regina emphasizes the importance of proper planning and studying the course. She also shares her favorite moments and offers advice for future runners. Overall, Regina's journey in the Divide 200 was filled with highs and lows, but she found a sense of accomplishment in completing the race.

Andy discusses his experience with 200-mile races, including Cocodona, Moab 240, and others. He talks about the challenges of running solo and unsupported, the importance of sleep strategy, and the differences in approach between 100-mile and 200-mile races. He reflects on his past Cocodona races and how he has learned from each one. Andy also shares his plans for future races, including Tour de Jean, Leadville, and Monster. He offers advice for athletes looking to do multiple 200-mile races in a year, emphasizing the need for a strong base, proper fueling and hydration, and active recovery. In this conversation, Andy emphasizes the need to break up long runs into smaller sessions to reduce the strain on the body and recommends focusing on nutrition and hydration strategies during races. Andy also talks about the unpredictability of 200-mile races and the importance of practicing and adapting to different conditions. He shares his experiences with hallucinations during races and encounters with wildlife. Andy concludes by discussing his motivation for continuing to participate in ultra running and how it helps him maintain his mental health.

Bryant Shook shares his journey into ultra marathons and his experience with the 200+ mile distance. In 2023, he attempted the Cocodona 250 but had to drop out at mile 100 due to various issues. This led to a period of depression and a strong determination to come back and finish the race. In 2024, he made a comeback and successfully completed the Cocodona 250. The key factors that contributed to his success were improved nutrition, a mindset shift, and the support of a crew and pacers. Bryant reflects on the emotions and challenges he faced throughout his ultra running journey. Bryant Shook shares his experiences in ultra-running, including his lows and highs, the role of crewing and pacing, and his future goals. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-discovery in the sport. Bryant also discusses his coaching journey and his new podcast, 'Unworthy of Oblivion,' which focuses on outdoor sports and adventure. He concludes by expressing his gratitude for the support he has received from the ultra-running community.