Twin Towns Trail Talk

Scott O'Leary is a “warrior who openly rebels at the norms of age.” After age 50 Scott takes up Spartan Races. Soon, with the urging of a friend, Scott runs in 35 mile run in Wisconsin. Then in a very short time Scott is running in the Moab 240 mile race while honoring a special friend and finding meaning to his own journey at the same time. Listen as Scott details the amazing accomplishments and why he believes age 50 is just the starting line.

When the bug to run a 100 mile race bit Derek—it bit him hard. He knew right away it was something he must pursue. But back then he could not imagine the heartbreak, and insane perseverance it would take. In fact, Derek was about to learn just how much this journey would change him forever.

Andy and his wife Erika are both accomplished ultramarathon runners raising three children. Andy talks about completing the Superior 100 with a new attitude. He also talks about The Badwater 135, a two day “Dreadmill Run” catch the crazy videos Andy makes about these crazy races at YouTube.com/c/andylohn

Troy Ellefson describes his harrowing swimming experience on Lake Superior. But Troy's summer does not end there—he is also completely involved training for a belt promotion in jujutsu at the same time. But a busy schedule is nothing new for this multi sport athlete. We also talk Trail Running & Rucking (don't worry we explain what that is.)

Why would anyone wake up at 2 AM to run the Grandma's Marathon (54.2 total miles) twice?? For today's guest Eric Strand “it was a great way to train for the Leadville 100.” But Eric doesn't stop there—he tells us about a harrowing three day trail run across Missouri in a successful Fastest Known Time attempt. Eric used the race to raise money for a special charity close to his heart. It's Eric's passion for the running community that makes this episode something special.

Akiko remembers her Track & Field day back in grade school. “I was the slowest runner out of 60 girls.” But now, only two weeks removed from an epic bike ride she takes on a 16 mile FKT at Lebanon Hills. Akiko describes how she took up physical activity after a bout with depression & eating disorder. I think you will be enthralled by her candid and endearing story.

Pete Steensgard feels he may be “addicted” to riding his bike. But as he shows up into a small South Dakota town at midnight to start a 240 mile gravel DAMN ride to Wisconsin the sights he sees and feels around him leave him with a surreal feeling. Soon he is blasting down the road in complete darkness for hours where he discovers he has lost his riding partners. But as Pete crushes his way to a top 50 finish he learns a valuable life lesson—that leftover pizza is the world's true superfood. Check out this fun new episode of Twin Town Trail Talk at the link below or on your podcast player.

When Janice, (an ex-Minnesota Vikings & Timberwolves cheerleader) finds herself at age 40 failing to be a master banjo player she dives headfirst into running and triathlons. Soon she is looking down from the podium and earning the moniker “Fly Girl.” Listen here as Janice talks very personally about how she became an advocate for PTSD after depression caused a loss in her family. To close out the episode, we talk about how Janice (in honor of turning 50) and some trusty friends organized a self supported 50K trail run during a pandemic.

John Weeks has not been letting all the canceled races get him down. In fact, he has been logging more miles than ever in a most unconventional fashion. Then we review The trail known lovingly to runners as “Aston.” This episode in very inspirational to say the least.