Ultra Stories By The Human Potential Running Series

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we look back on The Human Potential Running Series' 2019. In this episode John shares some of his favorite stories from this year, we recap the growth of HPRS and what's to come in 2020, and we announce our 2019 Jim Butera Ultrarunner's of the year. A great episode with inspiring, and funny, tales from the trails and a celebration of our biggest year ever.

Take a run with ultramarathon runner Julie Tertin. In this episode, host John Lacroix talks with Julie about her journey into running and ultimately ultrarunning, and her progression from her first 50-miler to having completed 3 different 200-Milers. They also discuss important topics such as mental illness, addiction, having the guts to restart your life, and how ultra transfers to life. A truly important episode with our show's new co-host, Julie.

Take a run with Eric Chrisman of Elevation Culture. In this episode we listen to Eric's story of how he became a runner and eventually an ultrarunner, and in to how he started Elevation Culture; making custom finisher's awards for our sport. Host John Lacroix and Eric then dive into talking the business of ultrarunning, how the sport is evolving, changes coming for the sport and EC, what races are doing well and why, and more!  

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we talk about that one person who _____. You know the type; The Sucks Guy, The Breather, The Over Exuberant Volunteer. In this episode, John shares a few stories about these kinds of people and offers a thoughtful way in which to think about them moving forward, and of course he opines on the fact that No, we don't need more cowbell. 

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we answer questions from our listeners! The topics of questions asked span a wide spectrum from gender equality to shoes, what ultra teaches us about life and what life teaches us about ultra. John shares some blooper stories, opinions on where he'd most like to direct a 100-miler, as well as anecdotes to a lot of ultras current hot topics. An episode designed by you and your questions, is not to be missed.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we kick off Season 3! In this episode John opines on what doesn't matter, and what truly does. It is our hope that this episode will encourage more of you to think about what you're spending your ultra brain waves on, and what you're not.. in the hopes that you'll spend more time on what truly matters and less on what doesn't. "No one cares about your Strava or Ultrasignup Ranking..." ... Really.

Take a run with Aaron Saft (42, Asheville NC). Aaron is the race director of the Hellbender 100-Mile, one of the most difficult hundred milers on "The Beast Coast." Aaron hosts a series of additional races under the MR Runningpains banner of events. He is also the owner of the FootRX running store in Asheville, NC, and is himself an accomplished trail and ultra runner. In this episode, we talk to him about his journey into, and love of, running. How he became a running store owner and race director, his work in trail maintenance, as well as some of the influential people in the southeast running scene that have guided Aaron on his way. This is our season two finale!

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we talk about the dreaded DNF. John talks about his experience at the Arkansas Traveller 100 and how his day didn't live up to his intended expectations. In this episode, John discusses turning "Did Not Finish" into "Dared Greatly" should runners fail to reach the finish line. He goes into detail as to why it is we spend more time daring than we do "DNFing" in these ultras and how we should give ourselves credit where credit is still due.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix and his guest Emily Royal. Emily is the aid station captain for Ouray Aid Station at The Hardrock 100, and at the Blanks aid station at The High Lonesome 100. She's also on the High Lonesome board of directors and has volunteered over 100-hours at this year's Human Potential Running Series. In this episode we talk about volunteering, how easy it is to sign up, the merits associated with doing so, and the importance volunteerism plays in our sport.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he recounts his first 100-mile finish. In this episode, John shares a retelling of his running the 2007 McNaughton Park Trail Runs in Pekin, IL; which would become his first 100-mile start and finish at the young age of 25. You’ll hear mention of a number of names that have ultimately become household in our sport, as well as reliving the trials and thoughts of a first time 100-miler.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix, and special guest hosts Kate Welle and Sam Wagner. In this episode, our hosts tackle more answers from the 2019 Stories Ultra. John Zarbock (24, Fort Collins) talks about how he remains hopeful in challenging circumstances, and Jordan Wirfs-Brock (34, Colorado Springs) discusses what she hopes to learn before she dies. Our hosts explore the topics that arise from the runner's answers and dive deeper into the collective conscious of our sport.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he takes you on a run discussing the topic of personal accountability. "It is ultimately up to the runner to know the course," and "It is ultimately up to the runner to know the rules," are phrases often used by race directors in trail and ultra running; but what does it mean and what are runner's personally responsible for? Personal Accountability is the belief that you are full responsible for your own actions and consequences and that is what is discussed in this episode.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he takes you on a run discussing the journey to your first ultra. John shares with us the info he provides those looking to get into ultrarunning. How to train, nutrition, finding a race, creating a support system, and many more of his "frequently discussed topics" are explored. Then, to round out the episode, John shares sad news about an iconic Colorado Ultrarunner who has been blackballed for telling the truth.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he takes you on a run discussing the concepts of personal accountability and working on yourself. A majority of us who run in trail and ultra events are working on our personal growth, or working through some of life's challenges. We create metaphors that link ultra with life, and use them as tools to inspire our growth. In this episode, our host talks about accountability, working on your goals, and "running your own race."

Take a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he takes you on an impassioned run. In this episode, John talks about what truly doesn't matter in this world, and what truly does; most pointedly he speaks about what truly matters within the world of Ultra. We hear how he got the name "Sherpa," how he started HPRS and the challenges of being a business owner.. and human. Finally, he focuses on the shift our sport is taking towards what matters most.. YOU and the responsibility to RUN YOUR OWN RACE.

Take a run with Stephanie Bales of the Running Divine Podcast! Stephanie is a 38 year old ultrarunner from Barrie Ontario Canada. In this episode we learn about Steph's journey into running in 2002 and how she managed the challenges of running while also being a mom and putting herself through nursing school. We discuss the struggles of burnout and losing motivation, while also discussing the various races Stephanie has completed. Finally, we discuss a variety of hot topics in our sport today!

Take a run with Marge Hickman and Steve Siguaw on this special episode of Ultra Stories recorded LIVE! Marge Hickman has been running ultras since the early 80s. In this episode we get to hear how she got into running, and ultimately ultra running. We hear about her intimate history with the Leadville Trail 100 and how she became the female with the most finishes for in the race's history. Then, Steve Siguaw hops in to discuss their new book about how true history of The Leadville 100.

Take a run with Rob Steger (34 of Highlands Ranch, CO) host of The Training For Ultra podcast. Rob is also the author of his book Training for Ultra. In this episode Rob shares his journey into running, and ultimately ultra running as well as his journey from 50k to finishing the Moab 240 in a relatively short time span. From there, Rob and John have a great conversation that tackles many topics relating to the why we run. Then, a special statement by Ultra Stories host John Lacroix.

Take a run with Ultra Stories host “Sherpa” John Lacroix as he explores motivation. In this episode he discusses intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, as well as the 10 other types of motivation that exists. He strives to define each type of motivation and how it relates to us as ultrarunners, on the way to answering the age old question “WHY do we do this?” Finding your why is an integral part to ultrarunning success, and this episode affords you the opportunity to explore your motivations more honestly.  

Take a run with Ultra Stories host "Sherpa" John Lacroix as he explores the concept of Human Potential. In this episode Sherpa defines what Human Potential is by breaking it down, and discussing how it applies to ultrarunners of all abilities. He discusses who gets to define success, the various growth zones outside of our comfort zone, and how ultra affords us an opportunity to be human.