Chasing Cutoffs amplifies the stories of back of the pack trail and ultra runners. We give voice to those who chase cutoffs, overcome obstacles, crush miles, and gut it out! We'll laugh, we'll cry, and we'll pursue the elusive question, "Why am I doing this?". Making fast friends with slow strangers since 2022.
The Chasing Cutoffs podcast is a truly enjoyable and inspiring podcast that caters to the back of the pack runners. As someone who loves to listen to podcasts while hiking or running, I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the captivating stories shared on this show. The host, Ben Mead, is the superstar of this podcast with his perfect format, meticulous research, and excellent interview skills. The guests featured on this show are all inspirational individuals who have overcome incredible odds to crush crazy distances. It's refreshing to hear stories from fellow adventurers who may not always get the spotlight in other running podcasts.
One of the best aspects of The Chasing Cutoffs podcast is its focus on back-of-the-packer experiences. It's inspiring for me, as someone who often finishes in the bottom percentages of ultras, to hear stories of others who have faced similar challenges. The warm and inviting interviewing style of Ben makes it easy for guests to share their gripping stories and allows listeners like me to feel a connection with them. I also appreciate Ben's detailed research and his ability to ask engaging questions that bring out the best in his guests.
While there are many positive aspects about this podcast, it can sometimes feel limited in terms of its focus solely on back-of-the-pack runners. While it is refreshing to have a podcast dedicated to these experiences, it would be nice to have a bit more variety in terms of guest selection or topics covered. However, this is a minor drawback considering how well Ben captures the essence of these runners' journeys.
In conclusion, The Chasing Cutoffs podcast is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to hear inspiring stories from back-of-the-pack runners. Ben Mead does an outstanding job as the host with his detailed research, engaging interview skills, and warm personality. Despite some limitations in terms of variety, this podcast provides great entertainment and motivation for those looking for relatable running experiences. I highly recommend giving it a listen, and I can't wait for Season 2 to come out.
Your hobbled host finished the Cocodona 250! Here's my story ICYMI. I recored this with my friend Mathias Eichler on the original Singletrack podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs/message
One Year Anniversary Episode! Julian Lopez is a Colombian transplant living in Quebec, CA. Julian is a father, a husband, and an ER doctor with an insane work ethic! Listen in this week to hear about Julian's journey from Columbia to Quebec and his pursuit of medicine in two countries. Julian's race results are super impressive and he's nowhere close to being done! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs/message
Kim Reamer is a midwest transplant who established roots with her family in NE Nevada. She came for a job and stayed for the trails ;) Kim has a really sweet adoption story and shares how she found and connected with her birth family. She has been teaching English for almost 30 years and her dedication to educating young people is incredible! Tune in this week to hear about how she discovered herself as an athlete on the rocky desert trails just outside her door. BONUS: Kim wins producer Daisy's award for CRAZIEST animal encounter! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chasingcutoffs/message
Happy New Year! Mike "Moose" Schneider is an Ohio native streaking through the Arizona desert. Mike focused on human performance throughout college and then went on to work professionally in the NBA. Tune in this week to hear Mike's story of his family, a battle with addiction, a major career transition, and what drove him to pursue a running streak. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Sherri Donohue is a self-described Clydesdale, cutoff-chasing runner and coach from the great white north of Alberta, Canada. This week Sherri unpacks her athletic and personal journey spanning fast-pitch Softball, Badminton, Curling, Kung fu, raising chickens, and of course Ultrarunning! Sherri is a true badass with a scientific mind and a heart for coaching fellow back of the packers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
It's a Thanksgiving miracle! We are back with Race In Pieces Vol. 6 & Vol. 7! Tune in this week to hear from two amazing women detailing their crazy DFL podium finishes. May this RIP Double Feature fill your heart with gratitude and stuff your soul with grit! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
If you've ever dreamed of running UTMB at the back of the pack you don't want to miss this episode! Ben Lonsdale is a 16 yr. active member of the British Royal Air Force who's quest to complete the UTMB has taught him several brutal lessons about his strength of body and mind. From growing up in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to being a ski-bum in the French Alps, Ben has led a super interesting life; serving his county and tackling some of ultrarunning's biggest challenges. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Crowd favorite Race In Pieces is back with Vol. 5! This week we chat with Ryan Gressett, a California transplant who's putting down roots in Georgia. Tune in to hear about Ryan's journey as young husband, a brand new father, and a first-time ultra runner. Ryan's blow by blow description and race-day voice memos will transport you into his shoes on a hot Georgia day. We'll laugh, we'll cry out in pain and we'll take what the day gives us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
From Natchitoches (Louisiana's original French colony) to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Kelley Mims has led a life focused on family, education, mathematics, and a whole lot of running! Tune into find out how Kelley discovered herself as an athlete, why she's passionate about teaching math, and why she has crowned herself the Queen of DFL. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
From the deserts of the American Southwest to the Alaskan tundra, Tony Gillham has led quite a life. Tune in to hear Tony's story of military service, going into the family business, and how he discovered ultrarunning in the last frontier. Tony's quest to find the bottom of the pain cave has only just begun. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Emmie Farber is a midwife, parent, partner and founder of Party Pace Pals. Emmie's athletic journey has led her through competitive gymnastics, field hockey, crew, cycling, and trail running! Tune in to hear about their journey fighting for reproductive health, meeting the love of their life, and discovering Pacific Northwest trail running. Emmie's extroverted awesomeness will get you pumped to choose love, fight for inclusivity, and celebrate the back of the pack! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
In 2109 Jeannine Avelino stood on the start line of her very first 50k. Surrounded by friends and family, Jeannine soared and struggled through the highs and lows of this new, unknown ultra distance. Will she make it to the next aid station before the cutoff? Will she finish on the glorious DFL podium? Tune into this weeks episode to hear how the race unfolded and what Jeannine learned about herself in the process. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
From O'ahu to London, filmmaker Matt Iakopo Foulds has had quite a journey! Tune in to hear about the challenges he faced adjusting to life in the UK, how he pursued professional golf, (eventually) met the love of his life, and discovered sky running, fell running and ultra running along the way. Matt's growth and mental strength will inspire you to hit the trails and tackle your biggest fears. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Tune in this week for some sage wisdom and fun back of the pack stories with Jim Lampman! Jim has run more 100 milers than I have 5k's! The man is a true beast from the East! From his early school days to raising young kids, Jim running journey and unconventional "training" style is well worth the the discovery! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Mo Reeves' insatiable optimism is infectious! Mo overcame several challenges in her young life, often finding herself on her own to just figure it out and make it happen. Mo's resilience is super inspiring and her discovery of trail running will make you fall in love with the sport all over again. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Alberta's Stephen Park joins us this week to break down his race experience at the 2022 Cocodona 250. From the origins of his running journey to the most dramatic DFL finish caught on camera of all time, Stephen is a back of the pack hero for the ages. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
A true legend among local legends, Kelly Hutchins is one of my ultra running heroes. When she's not juggling work and fostering dogs, Kelly has taken on big races, and (not always well planned :) adventures in the mountains. Tune in to hear a few of her awesome adventure stories and back of the pack tales from across her running career. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Whether on land or at sea, Helgi Olafson lives a life of extremes. After receiving seriously scary diagnosis at 19, Helgi has gone on to raise awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis wherever he runs. Helgi is a beast of a back of the packer with ten, 200+ mile finishes! Tune into hear how this yacht chef strategically executes some of the most extreme adventures on earth. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Back by popular demand...Race In Pieces Vol. 2! Colorado filmmaker Ash Kniffen is a competitor who upon discovering ultra running, signed up for the 2022 Gorge Waterfalls 100k as her very first ultra! Tune in this week to hear what inspired this awesome adventure, the support she had a long the way, and the unfolding of this epic DFL finish. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Jose L. Ramirez has been fighting his whole life. From wresting and MMA to fighting for his mental health. Jose's discovery of trail and ultra running opened up a new world of possibilities for his wellbeing. His race results vary wildly from hard fought mid-pack finishes to gutting it out with the back of the pack. Tune in to hear why Jose left his fighting career behind to become the best version of himself he can be. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Super excited to introduce two amazing experts on Vol 1. of Body & Mind! First, coach Lisa Pozzoni, ChiRunning Master Instructor and owner of The Running University shares her back of the pack coaching insights for beginners. Next, we hear from Kat Williamson, Art Therapist! Kat and I take a deep dive into impostor syndrome and injury recovery through the lens of Art Therapy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
The numbers simply don't tell the story. Week after week, race after race, Jameelah continues to cement her place in ultra running history. She is an incredible woman with unparalleled love, endurance and a gift for moving through every obstacle in her way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
What happens when a mid-pack crusher finds his big goal ultramarathon is falling apart around him? Does he pull the plug or grind it out with the back of the pack? Check out Jason Lopez' story of his insane experience at the 2022 Lake Sonoma 50 mile. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Sonia Glover's story of running through grief is both inspiring and moving. Tune in to hear Sonia's journey from the White Mountains of Heber to a "Couch to 100 Mile" plan that landed her on the start line of Arizona's most famous 100 mile race. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Coley Dains is an American expat living in Australia. Tune into hear how Coley went from being an American collegiate powerlifter to finding himself running trails with kangaroos! It's a story of romance, courage and the discovery of trail running abroad. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
From the Becoming Ultra Project to training for Vol State 500k, Rebecca Roehm's back-of-the-pack ultra running journey is truly inspiring. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
Chasing Cutoffs podcast preview! Inquiring minds want to know...Who's the host? What's the show all about? Will there be ice cream? Follow/Subscribe so you don't miss our debut episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chasingcutoffs/message
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