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.
Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes
Distance To Empty is a podcast that delves into the world of ultra-endurance running, focusing specifically on races beyond the 200-mile mark. Hosted by Wes Plate, each episode brings listeners deep into the challenges, triumphs, and strategies of athletes who push their physical and mental limits to achieve incredible feats in the realm of ultra-running.
One of the best aspects of Distance To Empty is its ability to bring to light the incredible stories and insights of experienced ultra-runners. The interviews with athletes, race organizers, and sports scientists offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for listeners. The host's engaging style and thoughtful questions really allow guests to share their experiences in a way that is both captivating and informative. Additionally, the focus on the 200-mile distance provides a unique angle that sets this podcast apart from others in the genre.
On the flip side, one potential downside of Distance To Empty could be its niche focus on ultra-endurance running races beyond 200 miles. While this specificity caters well to a certain audience within the running community, it may not appeal as much to listeners who are more interested in shorter distance races or other types of endurance sports. Additionally, some episodes may delve too deeply into technical aspects of training or race logistics, which could potentially alienate more casual listeners looking for broader discussions on running.
In conclusion, Distance To Empty is a highly recommended podcast for anyone fascinated by extreme endurance challenges or looking for insights into what it takes to conquer races beyond the traditional ultramarathon distances. The stories shared on this podcast are not only inspiring but also educational, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to push their own limits in the world of ultra-running. Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner or simply curious about human capability, Distance To Empty promises a captivating journey that will leave you motivated to tackle your next adventure.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!https://janji.com/pages/distance-to-empty and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Missy Hendricks is one of the athletes featured in The Cutoff, the new film by Dylan Harris presented by Aravaipa Running — and from the moment a film crew came running toward her on the trail outside Prescott, she wasn't sure she wanted to be found.In this special mini-series episode, Missy opens up about what it meant to be seen — not just as a runner, but as a Mescalero Apache woman, a mother, a wife, and a full-time worker chasing something most people in her life never saw coming. She talks about going from her first half marathon to the starting line of the Cocodona 250, the "ghost in her own home" reality of training while raising a family, and the moment on course when something clicked and she decided to let the world in.Missy also speaks candidly about what the back of the pack actually looks like — the flooded aid stations with no massage tables, the 30-minute sleep windows, the mental fight to keep moving when every part of you wants to stop — and why every finisher, regardless of place, deserves to be celebrated.This one hits different. Don't miss it.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Last year she finished Cocodona 250 in the worst weather the race has seen — two straight days of torrential rain, snow and hail on top of both the Bradshaws and Mingus, shin splints through the final miles into Flagstaff. She dragged herself to that finish line and a week later when registration opened, she signed up again immediately.She's back. Her crew is back. Her dad's RV is back. And this year she's showing up as an athlete rather than a mom with something to prove.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Randi Zuckerberg — returning Cocodona finisher, Tony Award winner, tech executive, author, and mom of three — for a conversation about what crossing that finish line actually changed. Randi talks about watching her sons transform in her wake — one training for Triathlon Nationals, the other running 50-mile weeks at age 11 — and what it means to show up this year with a real training block, a Boston Marathon, a training camp on the Cocodona course, and a custom Mount to Coast shoe with a fire horse painted on it.She also has a strong opinion about Nerds clusters and their potential arsenic content. She's eating them anyway.Her chalkboard message at Mingus is "everything is temporary." The bad moments and the good ones. She'll be riding whatever wave she's on.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!She ran 526 miles in six days on a 443-meter indoor track. She has exceeded 200 miles in a single effort multiple times in backyard ultras and looped formats. She fast-packed the majority of the Cocodona 250 course to prepare. She has never run a traditional point-to-point 200-mile race.That ends in May.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Megan Eckert — Six Days in the Dome champion, backyard ultra specialist, high school track and cross-country coach, and first-time traditional 200-miler — for a conversation about what it actually means to merge two loves: trail running and going very, very far. Megan talks about what she learned fast-packing the course, how she plans to gamify a race that doesn't loop back around every four miles, and why sleep strategy at Cocodona is a whole different animal than anything she's done before. She's not sleeping in a comfortable indoor aid station. She's bringing earplugs, an eye mask, and her backyard instincts.Her students now assume that when she misses school, she's out there racing. They're not wrong. They want to hear all of it when she gets back.Her chalkboard message at Mingus is "don't miss those shots." She meant it about the MBA. She also meant it about the race.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!EPISODE DESCRIPTIONShe won Moab 240 and Tahoe 200. She won Western States, Hardrock, and UTMB — sometimes back to back to back in the same summer. She came to Cocodona 250 last year, led the entire field through 108 miles, and stopped at Mingus Mountain. She ran a 2:38 road marathon in the fall because she wanted to feel like a beginner at something. She is back.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound 2026, Kevin and Peter sit down with Courtney Dauwalter for a conversation about what this distance actually requires from her — patience, adventure, and progress that looks different depending on which part of the roller coaster you're on. Courtney talks about what a full reset after UTMB actually looked like, why rediscovering the road marathon reignited something she didn't know needed reigniting, and how she thinks about racing something this long when every decision you make on day one compounds across day two, night two, and day three.She also asked if there were NBA jerseys at the Mingus Basketball Association. There are. She is extremely ready.Her chalkboard message at Mingus Mountain is a letter to herself: dear Courtney, this is not your finish line. Love Courtney.Her prediction for Cocodona 2026 is that at least 1,500 pickles will be consumed across all race distances. She needs Jamil and the team to count.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!She won Badwater 135 in 2021. In 2023 she ran four 200-plus mile races in five months — Cocodona 250 first, then Tahoe, then Bigfoot two weeks after that, then won Moab 240 to cap the Grand Slam — despite getting blisters within the first few miles of Cocodona and spending much of that year in a level of physical discomfort she describes as the worst of her life. She's coming back for Cocodona in 2026 after a significant knee injury that had doctors telling her she was done with 200s. She found a surgeon who paused and said "but."In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Sally McRae — Yellow Runner, Badwater champion, Grand Slam finisher, author of Choose Strong, and the only guest in this series who described Cocodona 250 as "an eating contest from Phoenix to Flagstaff." Sally talks about what that 2023 Grand Slam actually felt like from the inside, why she's leaning into gratitude and away from pride heading into this year's race, and the thing she tells athletes who are in their darkest moments out there — think about the story you want to tell.Her daughter is a runner at NAU. Sally is hoping she runs her into the finish line.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!EPISODE DESCRIPTIONShe was almost on the U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. She got a scholarship to Princeton. She taught world history. Then she became a professional triathlete, won six Ironman triathlons, set the all-time fastest Ironman by an American woman, finished third at Kona, and retired from triathlon in 2022. Since then she has won Western States golden ticket races, finished seventh at Western States, taken fifth at CCC, and set the course record at the Unbound XL — a 350-mile gravel race.This is her first 200-mile trail race.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Heather Jackson — six-time Ironman champion, professional ultrarunner, and someone who by her own admission goes out way too hard and blows up, and is hoping to not do that at Cocodona. Heather talks about what the transition from triathlon to trail actually looks like from the inside, how her husband manages her sponsors, films her YouTube channel, and sags her training runs on his mountain bike, and why she's genuinely terrified of this race in the best possible way. She's been watching the Cocodona live stream for five years and can't believe she gets to be on it.Her five words are "holy shit I am scared." Her chalkboard message at Mingus is for her dogs Stevie and Frankie. If they're waiting for her, she'll get there faster.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceCode IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Episode Title: Cocodona 250 Course Preview 2026Kevin and Peter are back with their most-downloaded episode of the year — the Cocodona 250 Course Preview. With a combined ~5 finishes between them, the guys break down everything you need to know before toeing the line in Black Canyon City this May.They cover all the meaningful 2026 course changes first: the new Watson Lake Aid Station (bring $5 cash for parking), the relocated Fain Ranch at Living Waters Church, the loss of crew access at Deer Pass (hello, 50K crew-less stretch), and the big pacer rule flip — you can now bring a pacer through Walnut Canyon, but the final 19 miles over Elden are solo. No pacers. Just you and the mountain.Then it's a section-by-section breakdown of all 253 miles:Start to Crown King — 37 miles, 11K+ feet of gain, and one critical right turn you cannot missCrown King to Whiskey Row — navigating the Bradshaws overnight through Camp Kippa and the Yankee Doodle TrailWhiskey Row to Mingus Mountain — crossing Prescott Valley, the Granite Dells, the Fain Ranch gopher field, and the big Mingus climbMingus to Sedona — the most mentally draining stretch of the race, a junkyard descent out of Jerome, and a Verde River crossingThe Hangover Trail — slick rock, big exposure, 40-minute miles, and somehow the most beautiful part of the courseSchnebly Hill to Walnut Canyon — 51 miles deep in the race on the Coconino Plateau, Muns Park, Kelly Canyon, and the legendary Fort TuthillWalnut Canyon to the Finish — the final solo push up Elden via the Newhart Trail and down the steep descent into Heritage SquareThe guys also share details on the Distance to Empty ShakeOut Run (Sunday May 3rd, 2 PM at Deep Canyon Ranch), the Mingus Basketball Association three-shot challenge (live leaderboard, prizes from Mount to Coast, John G, and Ultraspire), and how to score some DTE swag out on course.Whether you're racing, crewing, pacing, or just dreaming — this is the episode to prep with.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn 2023 he showed up to Whiskey Row ten hours behind the leaders, told his crew he was still going to win and set the course record, and then did exactly that. In 2025 he herniated a disc and watched Kilian Korth take his Triple Crown records from his couch. He described it as a whirlwind of emotions. He went to therapy, read about the mind-body connection, and concluded his back hurt because he was trying too hard to win. He came back and immediately won the Arizona Monster 300 and set the course record.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Mike McKnight — the Dark McKnight, the King of 200s, the man who is very uncomfortable being called the King of 200s — for one of the most honest conversations in the series. Mike talks about why Cocodona is the one race he hasn't figured out despite winning it, how his mantra of "decide, don't hope" played out in real time at the Arizona Monster when second place closed a three-mile gap on him in the Tucson heat, and why he's working to get to the start line with genuine confidence rather than just telling himself he has it.His chalkboard message at Mingus is "I want it that way." He is a Backstreet Boys fan. He is not embarrassed about this.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!EPISODE DESCRIPTIONThey grew up in Italy, moved to New York City at 24, and now live in Prescott, Arizona — which means they will be one of the rare Cocodona 250 runners who passes through their own hometown during the race. They spent most of their life as a swimmer and volleyball player who genuinely hated running. Two and a half years ago, something clicked.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Fra Balbi; runner, community builder, and founder of TNBThrive, for one of the most meaningful conversations in the series. Fra talks about what it felt like to show up to Flagstaff Crest last year as the only nonbinary runner registered across all distances, why they ran with a sign that said "trans athletes belong everywhere," and what the finish line moment was that made them realize wanting it wasn't enough. They had to build something.That something is TNBThrive; an organization working to make organized sport more accessible to trans and nonbinary people, starting with running. Fra talks about what they've learned from Trail Sisters and Native Women Running as models, what race directors can do right now to make races more welcoming, and why organized sport is one of the most powerful mental health interventions available to a community that is currently under sustained attack.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!She represented Great Britain in the marathon at the European Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games, then decided that wasn't hard enough. She ran UTMB, TDS, Comrades, and the Annapurna Circuit solo. Last year she ran 300 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas at The Speed Project and finished second among all solo women — partly through a heat wave, partly running out of water in the desert, partly navigating on her own with an RV that couldn't go off-road.Now she's coming to Arizona for her first Cocodona 250.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Holly Stables, elite marathoner turned ultrarunner, co-founder of RushByNature, and co-host of the Running Won't Save You podcast, for a conversation about what happens when you can't go faster and start going further instead. Holly talks about the arc from running the same marathon time over and over again to eventually just wanting to do something completely different, what she learned navigating 300 miles of the American Southwest with almost no support, and what excites and terrifies her about a race that's actually organized, has aid stations, and goes somewhere on a marked course.She's contractually obligated to play in the Mingus Basketball Association. It's in her sponsorship agreement. She knows this.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Last year she organized her entire race plan by fictional universe. It was Galaxy Quest to start, Dune through the desert, Game of Thrones when it was time to race. It ended up being pure Mad Max the whole way through.She's back. This year the theme is Cocodona the Musical.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin sits down solo with Allison Powell — returning ultrarunner, storyteller, coach, Montana community builder, and Jeff Garmire's fiancée — for one of the most fun conversations in the series. Allison talks about what last year actually looked like out there when the weather came in and survival mode took over, why she's ditching the multi-universe structure this year in favor of one overarching theme of whimsy, and what it means to race the same 250-mile race as your partner while keeping everything completely separate — different crews, different bubbles, different tents the night before.She also talks about the Montana chapter of Women in Ultrarunning, why she's running for Runners for Public Lands this year, and what getting more women to the start line of races like Cocodona actually requires.Her chalkboard message at Mingus is about Air Bud. She has opposable thumbs. She can do this.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!She came to Cocodona 2024 burnt out on running, couldn't run in the two months leading up to the race, cross-trained her way to the start line, showed up with zero expectations, and finished on the podium. Then she signed up for the entire Triple Crown — Tahoe, Bigfoot, and Moab — and broke the women's record by 29 hours. She is back for Cocodona 2026, and for the first time she gets to actually arrive before the race starts.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Manuela Vilaseca — yoga teacher, Brazilian, Barcelona-based, and somehow one of the most decorated 200-mile runners in the world despite training on 20-kilometer runs and flying across three time zones to get to her races. Manu talks about what changed in her relationship with running — from obligation to opportunity — and what it feels like to come back to a race knowing you did it right the first time and still having plenty left to find. She talks about the sleep experiments she ran throughout the Triple Crown, what she's correcting this year, and why arriving a full week early feels like a genuine luxury.She also has absolutely no confidence in her basketball game.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Kevin and Peter take the podcast out of the studio and onto the course for the first time, recording live during the Badwater Salton Sea race. In this experimental field episode, you'll hear clips captured throughout the race stitched together into a full audio journey. Back in the studio a few days post-finish, Kevin and Peter recap how they're recovering, tease some of the highlights (including a missed vomit recording), and preview what's coming up fast — Peter has the Cocodona 250 Brute just days away. They also cover the upcoming shakeout run at Deep Canyon Ranch, how to snag a free MBA shirt at Cocodona, and the Mets absolutely falling apart.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He won the Showcase on The Price is Right. He survived 60 days alone across six extreme ecosystems in South America to win Discovery Channel's The Wheel, losing 45 pounds in the process. He ran 2,500 miles across America. He ran 1,050 miles across Great Britain. He broke Kilian Jornet's Tahoe Rim Trail record. He has never run Cocodona 250.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Adam Kimble: professional ultrarunner, motivational speaker, race director, coach, and by his own description, amateur survivalist, for one of the most varied origin stories in the series. Adam talks about crewing his athlete at Cocodona 2022, running through Prescott and Jerome and knowing immediately this race was going on the list, and what it actually takes to show up to something this long having spent his career doing things that have almost nothing in common with it.He also reveals that as a high school basketball player he once finished second in a three-point shooting competition that sent him to the state level. The MBA at Mingus Mountain has never had a more dangerous entrant.His five-word description of Cocodona 250 'a is beautiful tour of Arizona.' His chalkboard message is 'remember why you're here.' Both feel exactly right.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He won Cocodona 250 on his first attempt in 2022. He came back in 2024, had a great first 50 miles, couldn't sleep, slowly eroded, finished fourth, and watched Arlen Glick open a three-hour gap on him while he thought he was running decent. He is back for 2026. He also just had a baby, which according to Joe is actually race prep.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Joe McConaughy — Stringbean, returning champion, new dad, founding father of the All In Trail Collective, and the only person in this series who asked us to write "the rest of the race hinges on this shot" on his Mingus chalkboard. Joe talks about what went wrong in 2024, why Cocodona is getting closer to being the Western States of 200s but isn't quite there yet, and what it actually feels like to race something this demanding while running on newborn sleep deprivation. He also admits he told his partner Katie he might get to the finish line and immediately wish he was home cuddling his son instead, which is either the most honest thing anyone has said on this series or a sign the sleep deprivation has already started.He is 6'3". He has dunked once in his life. He does not think Mingus will be the second time.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!She ran her first ultramarathon as a high school senior in road shoes, ate one spoonful of peanut butter for the entire race, finished second overall, cried at the finish line, drove home, and signed up for another one. She is 23 years old. This is her first 200-mile race.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Lila Gaudrault — nurse, Substack writer, self-coached, 10 FKTs, New England trail running ambassador, and the only person in the series who has trained for Cocodona 250 using something called Burrito League. Lila talks about building her own training plan that isn't really a training plan, what it feels like to step up to a distance 150 miles longer than anything she's ever done, and why she's approaching her first 200 as an adventure rather than a race.She also has a message ready for herself at Mingus Mountain at mile 107 — the moment she'll cross into the longest she's ever gone. It is the most honest thing anyone has said in this entire series.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He won the first one. He's been back every year since. He dropped in 2025 after running the first 160 miles better than he ever has, four hours ahead of his ghost from the previous year, and then sat in his van in Sedona in the worst storm of the worst weather year Cocodona has ever seen and decided he was done. He is back for year six.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Michael Versteeg, who is refreshingly honest about where he's at heading into 2026. He's not as prepared as last year. His goal is to finish. Not because he's given up on running it fast, he still thinks the course can be run faster than he's ever run it, but because if this is going to be his last Cocodona, he wants to leave it on a finish. His daughter is almost three and this is the first year she'll understand what's going on. Everything he does revolves around her.He also wants to bring an adjustable basketball hoop to Mingus Mountain and potentially a skateboard to Sedona, because if you've run this course six times you need to find ways to keep it interesting.His five-word description of Cocodona 250 is simply: no.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He went from 210 pounds to 150 pounds in a hospital bed, saw a Cameron Hanes Instagram post, and decided to become an endurance athlete. He has since won the World's Toughest Mudder, DNF'd a Colorado Trail FKT attempt at mile 420 with pneumonia, came back and broke the record anyway, and showed up to Cocodona 250 last year as a relative unknown and finished 7th overall.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with DJ Fox, who is back for 2026 with one goal — to be the first person across the finish line in Flagstaff. He breaks down exactly what went wrong last year: 17 hours of shuffling on dead legs through 40 miles because he missed his sleep window, watching Edher and Finn and Harry and Mike and Cody and Max all pass him, then waking up from a 90-minute nap and running those last 40 miles faster than anyone else on the course. He knows what he left out there. He spent this year actually learning how to run.He also wants us to draw him a gauge on the chalkboard at Mingus. A tiny sliver of green in the middle. On one side, being an idiot. On the other, being something less than that. He wants to live in the sliver.His caffeine consumption in the final 40 miles of last year was approximately 1,500 milligrams. He is not concerned about this.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He started running at 27. He is not a professional athlete by his own description. He has run UTMB, Tor des Géants, the Swiss Alps 100, and Moab 240 — where he podiumed and then made a feature documentary about it, because finishing apparently wasn't enough. He spent the week before this recording running reconnaissance on the course. He has now covered about 150 miles of it on foot before the race even starts.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Jeff Pelletier — trail runner, filmmaker, and one of three Jeffs in this series — for a conversation about what it actually means to show up to one of the most competitive 250-mile races in the world as someone who approaches the whole thing cerebrally, documents everything with his partner Audrey, and genuinely believes that anyone with a healthy body could do what he does if they had the time and the mindset.Jeff talks about why Cocodona appealed to him, what he learned at Mammoth 200 six months ago that he's bringing directly into this race, and why he's writing himself a pledge to sign before the start line — because that middle section will try to make you complacent, and he's not letting it.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel. Whatever happens out there will almost certainly end up on YouTube anyway.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Code IRON at www.goodranchers.com and mention us in the post purchase survey!Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceJanji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!He led Cocodona 250 for 150 miles in 2024. With two miles to go, his airway swelled shut, his oxygen sat dropped to 83, and he got caught. He came back.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Jeff Browning — Bronco Billy — who lives in Flagstaff, trains on the course in his backyard, and has been running hundred-milers longer than most of his competitors have been racing. He talks honestly about what went wrong in 2024 — an upper respiratory infection three weeks out, a viral load that came roaring back as reactive airway in the final miles — and exactly what he and Stringbean cooked up together to make sure it doesn't happen again. He breaks down his training tweaks, his sleep strategy refinements, and why running 70 to 90 mile weeks with five hours of Zone 2 cycling is hitting different than the 130-mile monsters he was doing before.He also learns about the Mingus Basketball Association live on tape, immediately says he'll shoot some hoops if we have it ready, and goes home to practice on the hoop in his driveway.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!She finished second female at the 2022 Cocodona 250. She sobbed on the descent off Mingus Mountain. She wrote a blog post about the whole experience called "I'd Run 100 Miles for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich." She is back.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Lauren Jones — ultrarunner, writer, and proud cheese enthusiast from Atlanta — for one of the most honest and genuinely funny conversations in the series. Lauren talks about what it was like to run 250 miles through the Arizona desert, fall apart on a mountain descent in tears, keep going anyway, and then write about all of it with the kind of self-awareness that makes you feel like you were out there with her.She also gives her chalkboard message for Mingus Mountain, and it is exactly what you'd expect from someone who has cried on that descent and earned the right to say it.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!For most of last year's Cocodona 250, nobody knew where he was. He forgot his tracker at the start. When they finally got one on him, it didn't work. By the time race fans figured out where Edher Ramirez actually was, he was battling for the overall podium.He finished third. In one of the most competitive and brutal editions of this race ever run.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Edher — a locksmith from Las Vegas who found ultrarunning through a group of friends training for a half marathon, showed up to a trail race in Zion and had no idea what he'd signed up for, and has been escalating ever since. He talks about what he remembers most from last year's race — the mud, the finish line, his family — and what it was like to spend the final miles racing Rachel Entrekin for an overall podium spot while running on virtually no sleep. He talks about the hallucinations, the fences, the moment his crew sparked the fire that carried him over Elden.He also talks about what it means to compete at this level while running a business, training out of Las Vegas, and doing it all with his family at the center of everything. He runs with grit, gratitude, and the quiet confidence of someone who nobody saw coming.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!She has DNF'd Cocodona 250 twice. Both times, her body shut down — not from lack of fitness, not from lack of will, but from a medical reaction to the medication she was taking to protect her lungs. Both times, she got back up. This is her third attempt.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Kristin Trapp — Air Force veteran, occupational therapist, mother of three, and competitive donkey racer from Tucson — for one of the most emotionally honest conversations in the series. Kristin talks about what it actually took to process two DNFs, why she didn't just sign up again and white-knuckle through it, and what sitting with the grief of those finishes taught her that skipping straight to the next race couldn't.She talks about her patients — autistic kids and adults — and how the quiet persistence she sees from them every single day shows up in how she approaches her own hard miles. She talks about the donkeys, because of course she does, and what running 250 miles with a large stubborn animal teaches you about partnership, patience, and knowing when to listen.She also has a pulmonologist now. She has a plan. And she has something to say at mile 110 that stopped the hosts cold.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!He swept the entire 200-mile Triple Crown in 2025 — Tahoe 200, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240 — winning all three in dominant fashion. He may also be the only person in Cocodona history whose biggest obstacle isn't the course, the competition, or the sleep deprivation. It's Arizona plants.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Kilian Korth, who opens up about something he's never fully talked through publicly: two Cocodona DNFs caused by a severe allergic reaction that sent him to the ICU after 2023 and forced him off the course in 2024. He's been getting allergy shots. He has a new medication plan. He may or may not be wearing an N95 mask through the section outside Jerome. He is coming for the win anyway.Kilian talks about what actually changed in 2025 — the aid station efficiency, the nutrition overhaul, the shift away from low-carb racing — and what it felt like to go from someone who DNF'd more 200s than he finished to the best 200-mile season anyone has put together in recent memory. He talks about the creatine sleep deprivation experiment he's planning for race nights, what excites him about the depth of this year's field, and why the pacerless final stretch from the last aid station to the finish is the part of Cocodona he is most looking forward to.He also reveals a semi-secret Mount to Coast shoe that has not yet been released. Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!He's run every Cocodona 250 ever held. He holds the self-supported Appalachian Trail FKT. He got engaged at the finish line after 45 days alone in the woods — having carried a two-gram ring the entire way. He broke a rib at Barkley this winter and came back hungry. And now he's heading into year six.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Jeffrey Frederick Garmire to talk about what it actually feels like to keep coming back to the same race while simultaneously doing things nobody else in the sport is doing. Jeff opens up about how the AT FKT finally refilled a tank that had been running on empty — not through training, but through four weeks of being forced off his feet after Barkley. He talks about racing alongside his fiancée Allison Powell, running separate races with separate crews and separate tents the night before, and why that weird dynamic actually works.He also breaks down the Outdoor March Madness bracket he's running over at Free Outside, gives his actual predictions for who wins the whole thing, and explains why Nerds Clusters might be the dark horse.And then there's the MBA. Jeff Garmire has already determined that winning the Mingus Basketball Association at mile 110 is his number one priority at Cocodona 2026. The overall race win is secondary. His chalkboard message reflects this perfectly.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!For five years, Tom Murray has been the friendly face on the other side of the table at Cocodona 250. He's handed you your bib at check-in. He's been at aid stations at 2am when you needed someone most. He's watched runners come through Mingus destroyed and leave Sedona elated. He's seen this race do everything it can do to a person.This year, he's not volunteering. He's running.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with Tom — a Tucson local, Aravaipa community cornerstone, and soon-to-be 50-year-old — for one of the most genuinely moving conversations in the series. Tom talks about what it means to finally come out from behind the table, what he's absorbed from five years of watching 250 miles of suffering up close, and why turning 50 made this the year he couldn't keep the idea at bay any longer.He also talks about what he's learned from observing runners that most runners never get to see — how transient any single moment in this race really is, why you never make a decision alone on the trail, and what it was like to watch someone completely fall apart at Mingus and then see that same person glowing in Sedona hours later.He has never finished a hundred-miler. He is showing up anyway.His five-word description of Cocodona 250 might be the best one we've heard all series.Oh, and his eighth-grade basketball coach told him he should never shoot the ball. The MBA at Mingus Mountain cannot wait.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!She won it. Then she came back and won it again — faster than anyone ever has. Now Rachel Entrekin is back for round three at the Cocodona 250, and if you think two titles and a course record means she's showing up comfortable, you haven't been paying attention.In this episode of Flagstaff Bound, Kevin and Peter sit down with the two-time Cocodona 250 champion to talk about what it actually takes to go from winning to dominating — a 10-hour PR, a course record, and a finish line experience that was nothing like the grumpy one before it. Rachel gets into the specifics of how she's thinking about year three: chasing a sub-60 hour finish, fixing the miles she gives away on the back half of the course, navigating a deeper women's field than she's ever faced, and the grilled cheese at mile 250 that she credits with saving her mental state last year.She also talks crew philosophy, the unlock that nutrition became for her 2025 performance, what it means to finally race with a watch, and why she thinks she can still find time — even after already running the fastest women's finish in the history of this race.Oh, and she's already committed to the Mingus Basketball Association at mile 110. She's projecting five points. She's been warned not to practice during taper.Cocodona 250 kicks off Monday, May 4th at 5 AM Pacific. Follow the action live on the Mountain Outpost YouTube channel.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Join Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes as they dissect the 2026 Arizona Monster 300 race, sharing insights, strategies, and memorable moments.Kevin and Peter take you through a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the course, highlighting the key terrain, pacing strategies, and self-sufficiency hacks that can make or break your race. From the blazing start in Superior to the treacherous climb of Mount Lemmon, you'll discover how to approach each section with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect — including the brutal heat, cactus pitfalls, and long stretches without crew support.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Most runners think the Cocodona 250 is just a race — Andy Glaze reveals it's much more like a family reunion, a test of resilience, and a celebration of pushing boundaries. With five finishes under his belt, Andy shares how experience, course knowledge, and a relentless mindset shape his strategy for one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world.He breaks down how each year's course throws new surprises—be it mud, heat, or rain—yet his approach remains the same: keep moving forward, stay healthy, and embrace the chaos. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories of race-breaking weather, unexpected obstacles, and what really goes through Andy's mind when the miles get brutal. You'll learn how knowledge of the course, mental toughness, and even a playful Mingus basketball shot challenge keep him going through the long, lonely hours in the wild Arizona landscape.This episode dives into the heart of ultra endurance—highlighting the importance of mental resilience, adaptation, and a smile when things get toughest. Andy also reveals the surprising similarities between writing a book and running 250 miles—both demand determination, grit, and a love for the journey, not just the finish line. Perfect for ultrarunners, adventure seekers, or anyone facing their own daunting challenges, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to reframe how you approach your hardest days.And yes, Andy's new audiobook gives you an unfiltered inside look at his incredible journey—seven hours of storytelling, his signature humor, and the grit that makes him a true ultra legend. Whether you're dreaming of the next big race or just need a dose of motivation to tackle your daily grind, this episode will leave you ready to face whatever comes next with a smile—and maybe a basketball shot or two.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 Flagstaff Bound, we explore the inspiring journey of ultra-running legend Pam Reed. With over 268 rultra distance races, two Badwater wins and SO much more, Pam shares her experiences from the Cocodona 250 and other extreme races. She discusses the evolution of women's performance in ultrarunning, her strategies for tackling challenging races, and her plans for a comeback to Cocodona 250 in 2026. Pam's story highlights resilience, passion, and the pioneering spirit that continues to break barriers in the sport.

FLAGSTAFF BOUND is BACK for 2026!Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Join ultra-distance runner Cody Poskin as he shares his daring approach to tackling 250-mile races, including surviving a sand dune disaster and a race-altering tumble. Discover his winning strategies for Cocodona 250, like mastering quick naps, avoiding chafing, and leveraging course familiarity. Cody's insights on mental resilience and race strategy will inspire ultrarunners and endurance athletes to push their limits and rethink what's possible on the trail. Perfect for those curious about the unpredictable world of ultra-distance racing, this episode promises to inspire and entertain.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 "Distance to Empty," we welcome back Michael Koppy, a seasoned ultra-marathon runner, to discuss his recent experiences at the Arrowhead 135, a grueling 135-mile race through the icy wilderness of Minnesota. Michael shares his journey of redemption after a near-finish DNF in 2024, detailing the challenges of extreme cold, self-sufficiency, and the mental and physical endurance required to complete such a demanding race. The conversation delves into the unique aspects of cold-weather racing, the importance of preparation, and the inspiration Michael provides to others by achieving remarkable feats at the age of 75.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Patrick J. Yalon was training for Moab 240 when a routine surf at Ocean Beach in San Francisco went catastrophically wrong—his board stopped, his body didn't, and he broke his neck, drowned, and was revived on the sand before undergoing a nine-and-a-half-hour spinal fusion and learning to move again one toe at a time. Just three months later, still battling nerve pain and fear of re-injury, Patrick toed the line at Moab anyway—finishing 144+ miles before making the hard call to stop, knowing the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain.” In this episode, he walks us through the mental darkness before the accident, the identity reset that followed, and why Moab became his North Star—then returns in 2025 for redemption, fighting brutal weather, river crossings, shredded feet, and soul-level lows to finally earn the finish. It's a raw conversation about gratitude, grace, and pushing forward “aid station to aid station”—and why Patrick believes he may never find his distance to empty.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, David Park shares his inspiring journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming an ultra runner, detailing his experiences with the Moab 240 race and his upcoming epic season. He discusses the role of fear, validation, and social media in his life, as well as the lessons learned from his 100-day fitness challenge. David emphasizes the importance of perspective in endurance sports and reflects on his relationship with running and the community around it.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!This episode delves into the themes of the film 'The Cutoff,' which focuses on the experiences of runners at the back of the pack during the Cocodona ultra marathon. The filmmakers, Dylan Harris and Jamil Coury, discuss the emotional and physical challenges faced by these participants, the misconceptions surrounding cutoffs, and the storytelling approach that highlights the human spirit in ultra running. They emphasize the importance of relatability and community in the sport, as well as the unique filming strategies employed to capture the essence of the race.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Michael McKnight returns to discuss his journey in ultra running, focusing on his identity as a 200-mile runner, the challenges of recovery from injury, and the mental shifts necessary for success. He reflects on the emotional toll of burnout and the importance of redefining personal goals beyond placement. Michael also shares insights into his new race, the Old Ephraim 200, and the motivations that drive him as he prepares for the upcoming season. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindset in overcoming obstacles and finding fulfillment in the sport.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Kevin and Melanie discuss their experiences during the ultramarathon stretch from Lee Vining to the finish. They share insights on the physical and mental challenges faced during the race, the importance of pacing and connection with others, and strategies for nutrition and morale. The conversation highlights the unique experiences of night running, the emotional highs and lows of endurance racing, and the camaraderie that develops among runners. In this segment of the conversation, Kevin and Melanie share their experiences during an endurance race, detailing the challenges they faced, the support from their crew, and the mental and physical hurdles they overcame. They discuss the importance of aid stations, the dynamics of pacing, and the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance racing. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among runners and the significance of nutrition and mental resilience in completing such a demanding event. In this part of the conversation, Melanie and Kevin reflect on their experiences during the ultramarathon, discussing the challenges they faced, the support from their crew, and the mental hurdles they encountered. They share insights on pacing strategies, the importance of aid stations, and the physical and emotional toll of the race as they approach the final stretch. In this final segment, Kevin and Melanie reflect on the challenges faced during the ultramarathon, including difficult stretches, the importance of sleep, and the emotional experience of crossing the finish line. They share insights on race strategy, the impact of community support, and the personal growth that comes from such a demanding journey. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted post-race stories and a deeper appreciation for the experiences shared during the race.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 interviews Kevin about the intricacies of recovery after running 200-mile races. They discuss the immediate effects of sleep deprivation, muscle soreness, hormonal changes, and the importance of nutrition and hydration in the recovery process. Kevin shares insights from scientific studies and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for proper recovery strategies, especially for those participating in multiple ultra-marathons within a year. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of recovery and the importance of listening to one's body.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Kevin and Melanie recap their experiences during the Mammoth 200 ultra marathon, discussing their training, the role of their crew, and the challenges they faced throughout the race. They highlight the importance of pacing, nutrition, and mental toughness, as well as the camaraderie among runners and crew members. The conversation delves into specific sections of the race, sharing insights on how they coped with fatigue and pain, and the strategies they employed to keep moving forward. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of ultra marathon racing, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Melanie and Kevin discuss their experiences during an ultramarathon, focusing on various aid stations, the challenges of pacing, foot care, and the mental and physical hurdles faced throughout the race. They share personal anecdotes about their interactions with crew members, the food they encountered, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on navigational challenges and the impact of nighttime running on their performance.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 year-end recap episode, hosts Kevin and Peter reflect on their experiences in ultra running, podcast highlights, and personal achievements throughout the year. They discuss the impact of weather on training, share their Strava and Spotify wrapped statistics, and engage in lighthearted games. The conversation also touches on favorite movies, music, and lessons learned, while looking ahead to new challenges and goals for 2026.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 Distance to Empty, everyone's favorite cohost sits out while Kevin and Melanie dive into their Mammoth 200 experience. In this special episode, they recount their journey through the Sierra Nevada mountains, celebrating their 11th anniversary amidst the grueling 200-mile race. With the support of Chaos Crewing Co and a cast of incredible friends and athletes, Kevin and Melanie share insights, challenges, and the breathtaking beauty of the course. From pre-race jitters to the exhilarating highs and unexpected challenges on the trail, this episode dives deep into their personal experiences. Discover how they navigated the race, managed gear and crew logistics, and overcame obstacles, all while sharing laughs and memorable moments. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or new to the sport, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of endurance racing.Tune in for an inspiring tale of endurance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of personal goals.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Dr. Flavie Waters discusses the fascinating world of hallucinations, particularly in the context of sleep deprivation and ultra running. She explains the different types of hallucinations, how the brain functions under extreme fatigue, and the neuroscience behind sleep and performance. The discussion also covers local sleep, emotional and cognitive effects of sleep deprivation, and insights from research on prolonged sleep deprivation. Dr. Waters emphasizes the importance of sleep as a recovery tool and offers practical strategies for ultra runners to manage their sleep effectively during races.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Kevin and Peter welcomes back Phil Lowry to discuss his experiences at the Moab 240 ultra marathon. They delve into the challenges of weather conditions, the importance of gear, and the mental aspects of ultra running, including sleep management and hallucinations. Phil reflects on aging in the sport and shares his future race goals, including the Triple Crown and Cocodona. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and shared struggles of ultra runners, emphasizing that everyone faces their own challenges during these grueling races.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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 engaging episode, Kevin & Peter host a conversation with the Field Trip Five. The discussion delves into their experiences on the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, The Arizona Trail AND the Continental Divide trail, the transition to ultra-running, and the unique dynamics of family teamwork. Jennie shares insights on homeschooling and the invaluable life skills her children gained through their outdoor adventures. The episode highlights the importance of embracing challenges, fostering resilience, and the joy of shared family experiences in the great outdoors.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, host Kevin Goldberg is joined by guest co-host Rachel Bambrick and special guest Dr. Sarah Reeve, a clinical psychologist and research lecturer from the University of East Anglia. Together, they delve into the fascinating intersection of sleep disruption, hallucinations, and ultra running. Discover how sleep deprivation impacts the mind during multi-day ultra marathons, and explore the science behind hallucinations experienced by runners. Whether you're an ultra runner or just curious about the limits of human endurance, this episode offers intriguing insights into the mental challenges faced by athletes. Tune in for a captivating discussion that bridges the gap between psychology and extreme sports.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Troy Croxdale shares his incredible journey of completing the Triple Crown of hiking, which includes the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. He discusses the challenges he faced, the mindset required for such an endeavor, and the importance of community support. Troy also reflects on his experiences with ultra marathons, the differences between racing and thru-hiking, and his future goals after completing this monumental achievement.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Adam Williams shares his incredible journey through ultra running, detailing his experiences with nine 200-mile races in a year, the goat accident that altered his plans, and his remarkable recovery. He discusses the unique challenges and memorable moments from each race, the importance of active recovery and nutrition, and reflects on his accomplishments. Adam also ranks the races from easiest to hardest and answers rapid-fire questions about his experiences and gear.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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, Cody Poskin shares his exhilarating journey through ultra running, focusing on his experiences in Cocodona 250 and thr Ultra Gobi 400k. He discusses the challenges of navigating 200+ mile races, the unique cultural aspects of the Ultra Gobi, and the mental and physical strategies he employed to succeed. Cody reflects on the highs and lows of racing, the importance of gear, and his evolving goals in the sport. He encourages aspiring ultra runners to embrace the adventure and offers insights into the logistics and preparation required for such extreme challenges.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Join us on "Distance to Empty" as we dive into the incredible journey of Jeff Garmire, a seasoned ultra-runner and adventurer. Fresh off his Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT, Jeff shares his experiences of pushing beyond limits, the mental and physical challenges of long-distance trails, and the unique blend of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that drive him. From the intricacies of planning resupplies to the emotional highs and lows of ultra-running, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into the world of endurance sports. Plus, hear about Jeff's inspiring fundraising efforts for the Trevor Project and his memorable proposal at the trail's end. Whether you're a seasoned runner or new to the sport, Jeff's story is sure to inspire and captivate.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Join us on "Distance to Empty" as we dive into the Moab 240 with ultra-running expert Wes Ritner. With 21 200-mile races under his belt, Wes shares invaluable insights and strategies for tackling this grueling course. From the challenges of sun exposure and hydration to the importance of pacing and gear, this episode is packed with tips for both seasoned runners and newcomers. Whether you're preparing for the race or just curious about ultra-running, this episode offers a comprehensive preview of what it takes to conquer the Moab 240. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion with hosts Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse 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!Join us on this thrilling episode of "Distance to Empty" as we dive into the incredible journey of Brennan Fawcett, fresh off the Divide 200 race in Canada. Brennan shares his experiences of battling the elements, and an unexpected encounter with a grizzly bear that tested his resolve. Discover how he navigated the challenges of this grueling 200-mile race, the strategies he employed, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an ultra-running enthusiast or just love a good adventure story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Brennan's firsthand account of perseverance, resilience, and the spirit of ultra-running.