The Human Potential Running Series Podcast

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 66, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discusses change and transitions. Change can be terrifying to the point that some people avoid it. It can also be necessary to grow. Transition is a word that can better describe change in a positive light. In this episode, John discusses aspects of the ultrarunning community that need to change for the sport to evolve. John also discusses how these aspects have affected his desire to self-identify as an ultrarunner, and how it ultimately leads to a period of transition at HPRS that will occur over the next 2-4 years. This is a heavy, incredibly personal episode, recounting challenging situations that have led to decisions that will affect the HPRS community for years to come.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 65, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss a wide range of thoughts about race preparation strategies. Together, they take us on a journey from beginner training plans to using races as training. They tackle ego versus mindset, how one can be destructive on your journey and the other the base of your foundation. They tackle movement streaks, body and brain recovery, and what truly matters in the race prep journey. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 64, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Derek Talbott from The Shifted Hunter. In this episode, John and Derek combine their two shows to discuss recent concerns about public land. In this robust conversation, they discuss the growing threats to public land access and why hunters, runners, and outdoor communities need to unite. They explore: The politics behind land transfers and sales, why this issue affects hunters, anglers, and trail users alike, what we can do to protect these wild spaces, how two very different communities are fighting for the same cause, whether you're chasing elk or finish lines, this episode is for you.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 63, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Christopher Mellott. In this episode, John and Chris define what a mantra is. They provide various examples of the multitude of mantras that exist in the world. Then they turn to a conversation on how mantras can be turned into action, helping you achieve your athletic goals. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 62, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes special guest co-host Christopher Mellott. In this episode, they discuss Care, Concern, and Accountability, and balancing all three when runners cheat or if a race participant or volunteer behaves negatively. They also discuss why rules matter and the distinction between the spirit of the rule versus the letter of the rule. An interesting conversation that explores the facets of ego, character, and integrity, as well as what happens when something negative reaches the court of public opinion.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 61, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott give updates on the Silverheels Trail Runs Permitting process before diving into a conversation about chasing an experience (the journey) rather than a destination. They discuss how people tend to become good at helping others meet their needs along the way and how that helps individuals find what they've lost or need while in the mountains. They also discuss the differences between introverted and extroverted trail runners, how to recognize the signs of one over the other, and how to be respectful of one another's "bubble" while on the trail. 

In this special edition of the HPRS Podcast, Race Director John Lacroix discusses the framework of community within ultramarathon running from 20 years ago, the two pockets that currently divide the sport, and how the behaviors of a small subset of runners within the community threaten to tear what remains of the community apart. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 60, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix brings us full circle on how our federal land management partners' current issues could negatively impact trail and ultra events. During the discussion, John highlights the timeline from June 2023 to the Present in discussing how we arrived at this moment and the real-life ramifications of budget shortfalls, cuts, and worker layoffs could have on our sport. John then expresses the importance of continued advocacy by our user group and being intentional by doing more to give back to the agencies that have afforded us the use of public lands for our events and those like them and the need to stop requesting new permits or permits for events with greater impacts. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 59, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-hosts Thomas Stott and Megan Storms, dive into Belongingness Theory. In this episode, the trio explores what it means to belong. Deeper than that, we discuss the importance of belonging and the many ways in which HPRS promotes and supports belonging within our series. Also discussed is Dunbar's Number, a concept that discusses how many meaningful connections each of us is able to make. A thought-provoking episode on the WHY. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 58, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott welcome our newest co-host, Megan Storms, to the program. In this episode, we get to know Megan, her life in general, her journey into trail and ultra, and her journey to HPRS. We discuss why she believes in the HPRS community. Then, the three dive into talking about a whole myriad of things in a witty, fun, and off-the-rail conversation.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 57 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix provides his data collection and analysis for ultramarathon running in 2024, and where the sport finds itself today. Less "address" and more conversation amongst friends, John highlights the triumphant year that ultra had and his reasons for being cautiously optimistic with the numbers and the earth-shattering struggles we're about to face with permitting. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 56, we welcome HPRS community member Jenna Carosio to talk about her life experiences and journey into running. In this episode we talk about Jenna's journey going from a collegiate soccer player, to roaming the world for 2 years, to her becoming a triathlete and ultra endurance athlete. We also discuss her journey from being a civil engineer to becoming an endurance coach for athletes of all abilities. A great episode with an inspiring woman, who has overcome a lot on her path to helping others overcome life's many challenges. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 55, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott discuss fueling. A wide ranging conversation that talks about daily diets and fueling during the run. The conversation discusses electrolyte drinks, typical aid station foods, preparing your own foods in advance of a race, training with different foods in finding out what works, and so much more. A conversation that is as much fun as it is important. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 54, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and co-host Thomas Stott dive into trail etiquette. Who has the right of way on trails? What is it to be courteous and respectful of other trail users? What is accepted etiquette during a race? The conversation even features a short conversation on running with dogs and what to do if a dog and dog owner approach you on the trail. With a few other musings sprinkled in for flair, this is a not-to-be-missed episode of the newly rebooted HPRS podcast!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 53 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes new co-host Thomas Stott to the program. In this episode we get to know Tom, his life in general, his journey into trail and ultra, and his journey to HPRS. We discuss why he believes in the HPRS community. Then, the two dive into talking about Preparedness and how it is an integral part of your training in preparation for upcoming events, and life in general. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 52 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about the growth of our sport; specifically revisiting the concept of The Tragedy of the Commons and how the growth of our sport is contributing to race cannibalization and the struggles many race directors will soon face. 2025 is going to be an incredibly difficult year for race directors to acquire permits on USFS lands, as land managers will resort to culling the herd of races since no one seems to know when enough is enough. An important listen for the future health of the sport many of us love!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 51 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about What It's Like to be a race director, but this time from the emotional/mental perspective. In previous episodes John has discussed what it's like to be a race director during a time where the sport of trail and ultra is ever changing. He has discussed the physical aspects of the job and the toll that takes on the race directors body. In this episode he discusses the seemingly unavoidable emotional and mental toll that comes with being a race director in today's day and age.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 50 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about recent ultrarunning press releases; most notably the news of Camile Herron's involvement in a wikipedia controversy, and Aravaipa announcing their updated drug policy. John's main discussion focuses on the effects the sport of ultra will realize as prize money and podiums become more of a focus. He names the “oligarchy” whom he believes is in control of ultra's narrative, including the prize money narrative, and how they stand to make money that will NOT trickle down to smaller events. An episode many will label as “controversial” as John displays his passion for inclusion and accessibility in our sport, and maintaining our focus on community. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 49 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about hi upcoming milestone of directing 100 events. Specifically John reads the letter he wrote in our monthly newsletter and expands upon some of the points made therin, while also telling more of the history of him becoming a race director and HPRS coming to be. Then John talks about where he goes from here; he can either hang it up and call it a career, submitting to the fact that those who have sought to corporatize and ironmanize the sport have won, that the money is here and never going away... or to double down on our roots and push ever harder to be the example of how powerful community and belonging still is for our sport.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 48 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and Co-Host Cade Hanson discuss the topic of masculinity in ultrarunning. Masculinity explored in the discussion are neo-traditionalist, egalitarian, progressive, and toxic masculinities. A different kind of conversation for sure!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In this special edition of the show, HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discusses the acquisiton of Ultrarunning Magazine by Jamil Coury of Steep Life Media and Aravaipa Running, what it potentially means for our sport, and potential anti-trust violations as a result of the sale. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 46 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and Co-Host cade Hanson discuss the some of the things that "grinds John's gears," and likely the gears of many a race director. Truly a conversation about nothing and everything all at once.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 45 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix discuss the many nuances between road/tri and trail/ultra and highlights the biggest ones so that the new kids on the block will set better expectations for what they're getting into, and perhaps not insist that trail and ultra do it like road and tri. We are "the dirt bags of the endurance world" after all.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 44 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix welcomes Emily Royal to the set as we talk about our journey in supporting the Latino Ultra Nature Adventure (LUNA). We discuss the many permitting challenges we've face along the way, as well as how "the entitled" have responded to this event. We explore the success of LUNA in our support of a traditionally underserved and marginalized community. Finally, we discuss the importance of helping our Rarámuri friends in their time of desperate need. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 43 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix dives into the numbers to see if anyone has really boycotted UTMB/Ironman this year. Then he talks about the concept of "Ethical Fading" in Ultra race director, arguing against live drone coverage of events, permitting issues, and more.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 42 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix tells the infamous Maverick Story. This is the story about a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim Adventure where someone was abandoned at the Canyon. The true mis-adventure complete with high drama and lessons learned. "Don't be a Maverick."

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 41 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about Niwot's Challenge; what it is, how and why it was created, and some of its inner intricacies. Then, the story about how he almost died during a Niwot's Booksetting in April 2015. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 40 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix begins our new series, designed to help folks navigate the ins and outs of trail and ultrarunning. In this episode John provides a bare bones, no BS, approach answering the typical newbie questions to those trying to get into trail and ultra. What shoes and socks to wear. Do you need a watch? How to start running. Where to plan your routes. Progressing through the distances. John provides the information you NEED to keep is simple, and cuts out everything you don't need to start dabbling in trail and ultra.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 39 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix reads to you his 2024 State of Our Sport Address. This year's address reviews the data and analysis from ultramarathon running participation in 2023. It is followed by a dicussion highlighting where ultrarunning is today, and where John predicts it will move in the future. A not to be missed episode as this is the last State of Our Sport Address that John intends to give after more than a decade. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 38 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix talks about where we go from here on the heels of the UTMB-IM issue in Whistler. Many have called this a "Turning Point" for our sport, but John argues that this is merely the next speed bump; and we've already decided the direction we're going to take long ago. Another passionate episode with a call to action, with the hopes of being a better more positive community moving forward. Take a listen!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 37 HPRS Race Director John Lacroix dives in to what transpired in Whistler between Gary Robbin's Whistler Alpine Meadows (WAM) event and UTMB-Ironman. John offers an honest perspective that highlights the intricacies of event permitting; including lessons that everyone should learn from the situation. John even dives into the history of UTMB events in North America and how no one should be surprised that this is where our sport finds itself today.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 36 we share the audio from the September 2023 Water Cooler LIVE, hosted on the HPRS Facebook Page. Join HPRS Race Director John Lacroix and HPRS community guests Carey Martin, and "Ketchup" Joe Von Bokern. The show is full of laughs, fun, and HPRS news snippets. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 35 we share the audio from a HPRS Town Hall held last week, where we reveal the final activated recommendations of the HPRS Focus Group, outlining the path FORWARD for HPRS.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 34 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes Jason Keith to the program. Jason is a trail and ultramarathon runner who works and volunteers his time towards public land policy with the AMGA, Access Fund, and Runners for Public Lands. In this episode, we learn about a new proposal from the USFS centered around "Cost Recovery" and how this new rule stands to shakeup trail and ultra in a HUGE way.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 33 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix welcomes HPRS runners and volunteer Cade Hanson to the program. We get to know Cade and his journey into ultra running, his experience at the 2023 Stories Ultra, more about his professional background in video then take a deep dive into the HPRS Focus Group. The HPRS Focus Group just wrapped up their work over the last few months to help steer the HPRS ship into new waters. Cade was a vital piece to that group and is here to discuss more about what was discovered and what is yet to come. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 32 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix discusses the level of "burn out" he experienced in Late 2022/Early 2023 that almost led to his retiring as a race director, and sale of HPRS. Instead, the path forward was found in the new HPRS Focus Group. A live show was hosted on March 30th with Focus Group members Matt Stoub and Stephen Wilfong-Oliphant and we share the audio from that show for this episode. This is the start of revealing the future of HPRS and the path our series will take in that one direction we all know, FORWARD. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 31 we welcome Kevin, a runner who took on the Stories Ultra 15-Hour this February to discuss the answer to the question on the back of his bib, "How do you remain hopeful in challenging circumstances." An 8th grade teacher, Kevin gives us a brief dive into the psychology of being a teacher in a world where violence is far too prevalent. Also, a brief look into the HPRS Future Preservation Focus Group. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 30 we welcome HPRS community member Tim Leach to talk about their experiences in running. In this episode we talk about Tim's journey going from a stay at home dad who hadn't run any kind of race in years, to working his way through the distances at HPRS all the way to finishing his 1st 100-miler at the Sangre de Cristo Ultras. Tim is our 2022 HPRS Rookie of the Year. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 29 we welcome HPRS runner and volunteer KP Hartman to talk about their experiences in running as a non-binary person. In this episode we tackle the Western States Endurance Run's controversial new transgender and non-binary runner policies; specifically looking at the lacking research required for WSER to be able to adhere to their policies without being discriminatory. We discuss HPRS' policies and the general issues of inclusivity and intolerance within the sport of trail and ultra. This is a not-to-be-missed episode!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 28 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix brings validity to his State of Our Sport Address from a month ago by discussing the current realized trends in Colorado trail and ultra one month in to the new year. Then, he switches gears and tells the tale of what went down behind the scenes to get the Franklin Mountains Trail Runs to happen. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 27 HPRS owner and race director John Lacroix narrates his 2023 State of Our Sport Address, as well as his Review of the 2022 Colorado Ultra Scene. In this year's address John explains why he feels the State of Our Sport is currently "Critical." Issues include a massive decline in volunteerism, rising costs of entry, an oversaturated and hostile market, and a cultural shift highlighting our sport's intolerance issue are all discussed with data and sources to support the narrative.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 26 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss Ultra Cults. A cult is a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing. While ultra running in and of itself can be considered a cult, there are numerous cults within the sport itself and in this episode we list them out!

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 25 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster to discuss his journey into thru hiking. We also talk about fast packing and how backpacking experiences cross over into ultrarunning as an exceptional way to train.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 24 we welcome HPRS Assistant Race Director Emily Royal as our special guest host to discuss the life cycle of an ultra, more specifically the rise and fall of The Razorback Running Revival. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 23 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster as our special guest host to discuss how running affects our romantic relationships, and our friendships. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 22 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster as our special guest host to discuss running and mental health; how running helps us appreciate life and become better individuals. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 21 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster as our special guest host to discuss the difference between being a runner versus being an athlete, and what being healthy really means.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 20 we welcome HPRS volunteer Deanna Shankle to talk about her experiences in running, all while she holds down the fort volunteering at The Razorback Running Revival. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 19 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster as our special guest host to discuss how running helps equip each of us with the mental tools to tackle challenges life throws at us, How ultramarathon running helps each of us achieve the “meaning of life.”

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 18 we welcome HPRS runner Stefan Schuster as our special guest host to discuss the responsibilities of runners who wish to participate in trail and ultrarunning events, as well as exploration of self reliance. 

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. For Episode 17 we welcome HPRS runner Megan Lawhon to talk about the question on the back of her bib from Stories Ultra 2022.