The Appalachian Runner with Caleb Bowen

In this episode we dig into Ryan's ultrarunning career, some of the nutritional issues he has faced and how he has overcome them, and how his company, Roam and Run has impacted the trail running world. You don't want to miss this episode because you will definitely walk away with some knowledge and a good feeling about this amazing community of ultra runners. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/appalachianrunner/support

And we're back! The boys from West Virginia have been running races out west lately and on this episode we go through our the most recent races we've run: The Black Canyon 100k and the Gorge Waterfalls 100k #LFGorge! We discuss our training blocks, our nutrition strategies, and the overall reflection on how the races went. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/appalachianrunner/support

The boys from West Virginia went down to the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and raced for a Golden Ticket. While we both went through adversity in the second lap, both Alex and I have come out of this race better and more prepared for the races to come. Hear all about the race in this episode of the Appalachian Runner podcast! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/appalachianrunner/support

In this episode BP and I reflect on our running adventures in 2022 as well as the performances other ultra runners in West Virginia had throughout this year. We know we missed a few but we wanted to give shout outs to those we believe gave every race their best. All in all, 2022 was a great year for ultra running in this state and will be tough to beat. But, it's up to us to lace up our shoes and make 2023 even better!

In Part 2 of the BP and Bowen Talks Series, we dive into BP's recent race at the No Business 100 Miler in Jamestown, Tennessee. BP relives some of the highs and lows of the day. He explains how the course layout was, how deceptively difficult the terrain ended up being, and explains how he pushed through some of the tough parts to finish the race. Hope you guys enjoy our dialogue as this is exactly how we talk when we go on long runs together. It's always a good time!

In this episode, BP and I talk about my recent race at Canal Corridor 100 back on October 8th. We discuss the thought process of choosing Canal Corridor, the plans/expectations going into the race, and the story of the race itself. In Part 2, BP and I discuss his recent race at the No Business 100 which took place on October 14th.

Alex Minor is a 24 year old ultra athlete currently living in Huntington, WV. He was a 2x All Conference runner for Marshall University, winner of the 2021 Yamacraw 50k, 2022 Cabin Fever 50k, and now the Hurricane 100k. In this episode we go through each loop of the race and talk about our thoughts and feels as we raced each other. We also discuss the importance of the Huntington Ultra/Trail community and how we are trying to represent our community to the best of our ability.

On this week's episode of the Appalachian Runner Podcast, we flip the script and have the Hurricane 100k Race Director, Matt Young, interview me in my experience at the inaugural Hurricane 100k. We dive in to how amazing the volunteers were, the highs and lows of each loop, and what the WV running community means to each of us who are apart of it. Matt is just an amazing individual and it's awesome to listen to his passion for this community. Hope you guys enjoy!

If you have run an ultra/trail race in WV, VA, or Pennsylvania, you have likely run with a man named Brandon Perry. Brandon is one of the most fun loving, friendliest, hardest working, and all around greatest guys to be around. In this episode, we dive in to his little known backstory where he details the struggles of being overweight and his journey to transform himself both physically and mentally to be the ultrarunner he is today. Brandon has completed over 30 ultra races including Grindstone 100 mile, Hellgate 100k, UROC 100k, Ironstone 100k, Georgia Death Race, and so many more. Through ultrarunning, we all meet amazing people who give us wisdom and guidance and Brandon is certainly one of those people for me. It is awesome to see him accomplish some amazing feats but even more awesome to watch him become an inspiration for members of the black community who want to become runners. He is breaking barriers and constantly is showing that all people can enjoy the trails. This sport means so much to Brandon and he hopes that everyone finds the same joy that this sport has given him. I hope you guys enjoy this episode!

In this episode I interview ultra runner/Race Director Adam Casseday and learn more about his running background, the Highland's Sky 40 Mile Race, and the WV Trilogy Stage race. These races are two of the most fun and most beautiful races that you can do and we get an inside perspective on what it takes to put them on. You'll definitely want to put these races on your calendar for this upcoming year!

In this episode, I get the amazing opportunity to talk with one of the coolest guys out there, Bryant Baker. We get to learn more about his background, his inspirations for the races he puts on, and some great insight on running ultras in West Virginia. You won't want to miss this one as Bryant drops some BIG news about Rim to River 100 2022! Listen up because Bryant gives some amazing wisdom throughout the entire episode.

In this episode we sit down with long time Ultra Runner and now Race Director of the upcoming Hurricane 100k, Matthew Young. Matt does an amazing job explaining some of the life lessons we learn when we line up to each race we run. These lessons are so crucial, not only as runners, but more importantly in our growth as people. We then dive into the details of West Virginia's first 100k, the Hurricane 100k and how much it means to the community of Hurricane WV. If this race isn't on your calendar in September, then you need to put it on because it is going to be a blast!

We are back from the 3 month hiatus with an awesome interview with Kanawha Trace 50k RD Bob Luther. Bob has been running trail/ultra races for the past 10 years having run over 50 races all over the east coast. He is someone who I have always looked up to in the sport because he consistently displays his passion for getting the most out of himself every day. In this episode we learn more about how Bob started running, some of the unique races he has run, gives us insight on how anyone can become an ultra runner, and lastly gives us an inside look at the upcoming 2022 Kanawha Trace 50k.

In this episode, we dive in to the topic of mental toughness and how it is a huge part of running, especially ultra running. As a Clinical Psychologist, Father, and Ultra Runner, Charley Bowen gives some key insights on how important grit is to help us be successful not only on the course but also in life. Recording this episode was really special to me because it was an opportunity for me to spend time with my dad and to gain much needed wisdom about a key element in the sport. I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I did creating it!

In this episode we dive in to the 2022 Cabin Fever 50k Women's Champion HollyAnn Swann where she tells her story on the race and how she prepared for it. We also dive into both her and her husband's passion for endurance sports and how key individuals throughout their lives have helped bolster this passion. 

In the inaugural episode, we explore Huntington Ultra Distance Runner Dan Green and his experiences in 2021 and how he prepares for the biggest race yet, the Black Canyon 100k