
Distance To Empty
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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.
Latest episodes

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 13min
Triple Crown of 200s w/ Jameson Collins
In this conversation, Jameson Collins shares his journey from running a 50K to completing the Triple Crown of 200-mile races. He discusses his transition from hating running to finding a passion for trail running and ultras. Jameson recounts his experiences at each race, including the challenges and highlights. He also shares his training and recovery strategies between races and the mindset shift that occurred throughout the Triple Crown. In this episode, Jameson shares his favorite races, including Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240. He discusses his future goals in the sport, which include winning 200-milers and running an FKT on the Oregon Coast Trail. Jameson also talks about his company, Houda Trail, and its vision to provide custom gear for ultra runners. The episode concludes with the Quick Five Questions segment, where Jameson shares his highest high and lowest low during the Triple Crown, his favorite food from Destination Trail aid stations, his favorite piece of gear, and his ongoing search for his distance to empty.
Takeaways
Transitioning from shorter races to longer ultras requires a gradual build-up in training and experience.
The Triple Crown of 200-mile races is a challenging and transformative experience that pushes runners to their limits.
Recovery and rest are crucial between races to allow the body to heal and prepare for the next event.
Having a supportive community and a strong mindset are key factors in successfully completing the Triple Crown.

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
Cocodona Convos w/ Guest Host Joe Corcione
Summary
In this episode Peter and Kevin are joined by guest host Joe Corcione of the Everyday Ultra Podcast! Peter and Kevin share their experiences and insights on running Cocodona 250. They discuss common misconceptions about the race, the unique features of Cocodona, training strategies, key sections to train for, mistakes to avoid, and tips for efficient aid station strategies and sleep management. They also provide advice on surviving the challenging Crown King section and highlight the importance of being adaptable and prepared with the right gear. Overall, their insights offer valuable guidance for anyone preparing to run Cocodona 250.

Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ashley Paulson - First 200 at Cocodona 250
In this episode, Ashley Paulson, an experienced endurance athlete, shares her journey from triathlon to ultra running and her upcoming race, Cocodona 250. She discusses her background in fitness and endurance sports, including her transition from Ironman to ultra running. Ashley also talks about her experiences at Badwater and her goals for Cocodona 250. She shares her training methods, including using the treadmill, and discusses her anxieties and excitements for the race. Ashley also talks about her crew and race strategy, as well as her approach to nutrition and hydration. Finally, she shares her thoughts on the mental game and her competitive goals for the race. In this conversation, Ashley Paulson discusses her recovery from foot surgery and her quick return to running. She shares her gratitude for the successful healing process and the benefits of various therapies. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Cocodona race, where Ashley and the hosts discuss the possibility of exploring the course before race day. The conversation concludes with a series of quick five questions, covering topics such as high and low moments in races, favorite race food, and essential gear.
Takeaways
The journey to finding your distance to empty is ongoing, as there is always more to discover and achieve.

Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
Brian Gallant - Race Director of Divide 200
Brian Gallant, the race director of Sinister Sports, discusses the background and organization of the Divide 200, Canada's first and only 200-mile race. He explains the motivation behind organizing the race and the process of bringing it to life. Brian also highlights the unique features of the course and the importance of runner safety and emergency response. He shares his vision for the future of the Divide 200 and the possibility of new races in different regions of Canada. Brian Gallant discusses the Divide 200 race and offers advice for aspiring participants. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and shares his highest high and lowest low in a race. He also talks about his favorite food and gear for a 200-mile race and reflects on finding his distance to empty.
Takeaways
Sinister Sports organizes the Divide 200, Canada's first and only 200-mile race.
The race is held in the Southern Alberta Rockies and showcases the stunning landscape of the region.
Runner safety is a top priority, and the race has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place.
The future of the Divide 200 includes maintaining a small field of participants and potentially expanding to other regions of Canada. Encourage participation and competition to make races more vibrant.
Focus on the mental aspect of endurance races and learn to tolerate suffering.
The highest high in a race can come from realizing your potential and being part of a community.
The lowest low in a race is witnessing others' suffering and dropping out.
Favorite food in a 200-mile race: hash browns and burgers.
Recommended gear for a 200-mile race: filtering flask or filtering straw.
Finding your distance to empty is an ongoing journey.
To learn more about the Divide 200 race, visit divide200.ca.

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 13min
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.

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 3min
Crewing 200 Milers w/ Chaos Crewing Co
Chaos Crewing provides race support for ultra marathons and other endurance challenges. They assemble crews, strengthen team dynamics, and celebrate the stories of all those involved in the running community. The mantra of Chaos Crewing is that chaos breeds perfection, as the challenges faced in ultra marathons lead to growth and learning. The team at Chaos Crewing includes individuals with diverse roles, such as engagement and communication, graphic design, and administrative functions. They offer a range of services, including dedicated support crew, aid station hosting, logistics planning, and performance monitoring. The team is also working on developing digital products and tools to support athletes and crew members. The Chaos Crew Network is a free online network for people to find and offer race support in any form, and the team aims to expand this network to connect athletes and crew members worldwide. Chaos Crewing Network is introduced as a platform for connecting crews and athletes in the trail and ultra community. The challenges of putting on events and the importance of communication in crewing are discussed. Crazy stories from crewing experiences are shared, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport. The importance of taking care of athletes after the race and providing support and advice for new crews are emphasized. The goals of Chaos Crewing Network and the benefits of crewing for the sport are outlined.
Takeaways
Chaos Crewing provides race support for ultra marathons and other endurance challenges.
The mantra of Chaos Crewing is that chaos breeds perfection, as the challenges faced in ultra marathons lead to growth and learning.
The team at Chaos Crewing includes individuals with diverse roles, such as engagement and communication, graphic design, and administrative functions.
The Chaos Crew Network is a free online network for people to find and offer race support in any form, and the team aims to expand this network to connect athletes and crew members worldwide.

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
Nickademus de la Rosa - Sports Psychology in 200 Milers
In this conversation, Nickademus shares his journey into ultra running, his interest in sports psychology, and the importance of mental training in the sport. He discusses the challenges he faced in running 100 miles and how his experiences led him to pursue a career in sports psychology. Nickademus also talks about his coaching business, Lightfoot Coaching, and its guiding philosophy. He compares European and American ultra races and reflects on the changes in his training and mindset over the years. In this conversation, Nickademus Hollon discusses his experiences and insights as an ultrarunner. He shares the pressure he felt to succeed and be recognized, and how it affected his performance. He also reflects on the similarities between his best performances and the lessons he learned from them. Nickademus emphasizes the importance of holding expectations lightly, staying present, and reacting to the current situation. He offers advice for those transitioning from 100-mile to 200-mile races, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over fitness. The conversation concludes with a fun game of Let's Get Deep and a comparison between Barkley and Tor de Geants races.
Takeaways
Mental training and sports psychology play a crucial role in ultra running, helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Coaches should focus on the holistic development of athletes, caring about their well-being and personal growth, not just their race results.
Self-awareness and understanding the different parts of oneself can help athletes make better choices and perform optimally.
High-risk races, such as 200-milers, have gained popularity in recent years, attracting athletes seeking unique challenges and experiences.
The mindset and approach to training and racing can evolve over time, influenced by personal experiences, interests, and goals.

Jan 22, 2024 • 59min
Steve Aderholt - Race Director of Cocodona 250
In this conversation, Steve Aderholt, the race director for the Cocodona 250, discusses his journey into ultra running and how he became involved with organizing the race. He shares insights into the logistical challenges of race directing and ensuring runner safety. Steve also talks about the unique aspects of the Cocodona course and highlights memorable moments from previous races. He discusses his involvement with other races, such as Western States, and shares his perspective on the 200-mile distance. Steve concludes by providing information on upcoming registration dates for Cocodona and how to get in touch with him.
Takeaways
Ultra running offers a unique and rugged experience that appeals to many athletes.
Race directing involves extensive logistical planning and coordination, as well as ensuring runner safety.
The Cocodona 250 is a challenging and scenic race that showcases the beauty of Arizona.
Course changes and adaptations are necessary in response to unforeseen circumstances.
The future of Cocodona includes adding new distances and growing community involvement.

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 16min
Jeff Browning - Moab 240 & Cocodona 250
In this conversation, Jeff Browning discusses his introduction to ultra running and his transition to 200-mile races. He shares his coaching philosophy and how it has evolved over the years. Jeff also talks about the challenges and strategies involved in training for and racing 200-mile events. He reflects on his experiences in Moab and Sedona Canyons 125 and how they have informed his approach to Cocodona 250. Jeff emphasizes the importance of nutrition, hydration, and sleep strategies in 200-mile races, as well as the recovery process after such events. In this conversation, Jeff Browning discusses various aspects of ultra running, including race strategy, the rise of 200-mile races, perspective shifts after running 200-milers, future challenges, the puzzle of ultra running, highs and lows in races, favorite gear, and the search for limits.
Takeaways
200-mile races have gained popularity in recent years due to the adventure and challenge they offer.
Training for a 200-mile race requires a strategic approach, including building up mileage, strength training, and practicing nutrition and hydration strategies.
Coaching and learning from 200-mile races have helped Jeff refine his coaching philosophy and develop strategies for his athletes.
Recovery from a 200-mile race can take longer than recovery from a 100-mile race, and nutrition and sleep play crucial roles in the recovery process. When running a race, it's important to focus on your own race and not get caught up in someone else's pace.
200-mile races are becoming more popular and challenging, and there is a growing body of knowledge and coaching expertise around them.
Running 200-mile races can change your perspective on shorter distances and make them seem less intimidating.
Ultra running is a puzzle that requires constant learning and improvement, and there is always room for growth and fine-tuning.
Favorite gear for a 200-mile race includes comfortable and durable shoes.
Ultra runners are constantly searching for their limits and pushing themselves to new challenges.

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 5min
Andrea Moore - FIVE 200 milers in 2024
Andrea Moore shares her journey in ultra running, from her journey to endurance sports to her goals for the future. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running 200 mile races and the importance of community and support. Andrea also talks about the balance between content creation and racing, and how she plans to continue inspiring and supporting other women in the sport. She shares her experiences at Cocodona 250. Finally, Andrea discusses her future goals and challenges, including running FIVE 200 + mile races in 2024 including the Cocodona 250, Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, Divide 200 and Moab 240
Takeaways
Transitioning from shorter distances to ultra running requires determination and a willingness to push beyond perceived limits.
Community and support are crucial in the world of ultra running, and finding a coach and like-minded individuals can make a significant difference.
Setting ambitious goals and embracing the adventure and exploration of ultra running can lead to personal growth and transformation.