Vol State: It's All About the People

After a long trek from Linden, you'll be surprised when you come upon "Tay's Stop and Flop"! Another Road Angel braved the podcast world to let you know you won't be alone.

One of the few Vol State folks that can easily be identified using just her first name, like Cher and Reba. We have our own Shenoa! Of course, you'll hear about her pack and who doesn't want to know what's in it? More importantly, though, Shenoa gives extremely useful tips on running your race and how to deal with things that come up. This one really is a "don't miss" episode.

This is a special event! We've had runners, crews, and road angels. Now we have our 2024 photographer! I think everyone know the great photos she took in 2024 and hopefully, she'll be back. But you can listen to her tell us how she came to photographing ultras and especially Vol State and hear her talk about some of the special shots she got.

Recording this interview made me feel like I was back out there on the course again. These two funny and dedicated Road Angels will get your gratitude and enthusiasm pumping like never before. I can't wait to meet them in person. I know you'll love this episode.

This has to be one of my favorite episodes because of the close friendship I have with Kaz. She is a PhD, a coach, a stellar runner and a fantastic friend. Today she gives us several mental performance tips and tricks and shows you how she applied them all in her Vol State race in 2023. They are tactics she teaches her athletes. You have to listen to this one. You can find more about Kaz at www.MettleRunning.com

What a great attitude this guy has! The entire time he was out there he was reminding himself that this was, indeed, a vacation. We all can learn a lot from him in this episode. AND, he has a blog that has tons of photos from 2024 as well. Check it out at Last Annual Vol State 500k - 2024 (ultramikorunning.blogspot.com)

Another road angel stepped up. Phil's spot is in a perfect place (no, we don't tell you where it is) but even more special are all the things he's learned from his own running experience as well as being a road angel. Even better, he has tips for people doing Vol State. The observations by someone outside of the actual race are often the most valuable observations you can find. When I asked how we could help him, his reply was simple - give him feedback and stories!

The "Smiling Runner"! I have never seen Alexis when he hasn't been smiling or laughing. This is a man who has loved life despite the circumstances. You wouldn't think of him as soft-spoken but in this episode, it's sometimes harder to hear his voice clearly. However, his stories and fun loving nature come through loud and clear. I had the most fun ever recording this with him so I hope you find it as enjoyable!

What an amazing story from this courageous woman. I don't want to spoil anything so I won't tell you what it's about – just that you absolutely have to listen to her recount what running has done for her.

We all know Kimberly (and her sister who posts her humorous stories whenever Kimberly is out on the course). She is a legend in all the Laz races. She's also the race director (and creator) of the Buckeye 200 but she explains how there's only one more chance to run it – in 2025. #feral

Rich has run all the Badwater races including Badwater 135) so one would think that Vol State would be easy for him. He shares his experience reaching the rock in just over 6 days in 2024 but even though a fast runner, he shares his challenges and techniques for overcoming them. He is a wealth of knowledge.

A “local” (a resident of Hampshire), Michele shares the story of her two Vol State attempts and what she learned from them. Her interview is filled with great lessons for those who don't do as well as they would have liked.

Talk about resilience. There have been (and still are) obstacles that have been placed in Louanne's path. The strength she exhibits, though, will make you want to be around her just in case some of might rub off on you. Listen to her tips and advice and take heed. She knows what she's talking about. And you all know by now I'm a big proponent of slowing down on day 1. Here is a woman who agrees with me. So, of course, I enjoyed this episode. Seriously, though, it's full of stories about people and training tips.

This week I am so lucky to have Jim Halsey on. Tomorrow is his birthday so I hope you all listen in time to wish him well. This interview was stellar. Jim is a wealth of knowledge and I know people will benefit from it. He no longer runs the races so it's a great listen for those, like me, who just walk the course. His experience is evident in his talk, yet he still remains very humble about the journeys.

A Heartwarming story from the 2024 running of Vol State. Last place in the standings but first place in perseverance and determination. Listen to Mauricio's recounting of the difficulties he had on the road and how so many people came together to get him to the rock. You will have a different view of obstacles once you listen to this episode.

Although this is not part of the podcast series, we recorded Tim's HOTS/Vol State Info call for those who couldn't make it. It's very long as there were a lot of veterans on the call so I divided it into 2 parts. This is part 2

Although this is not part of the podcast series, we recorded Tim's HOTS/Vol State Info call for those who couldn't make it. It's very long as there were a lot of veterans on the call so I divided it into 2 parts. This is part 1

What an interesting Ultra history this man has. He also has done the three Laz races we talk the most about - HOTS, Vol State and Third Circle. Another episode filled with helpful tips from all three. Learn about the value of Checklists as well as many other suggestions for a better race.

Everyone wanted this interview with Gina because of 2024 HOTS but Gina wanted to talk about Vol State first. And since she was one of two people who saved my race in 2023, I definitely wanted to have her on the show. She is funny and full of life and I am sure you're going to love listening to her.

Great to publish this just before his birthday on the 17th! Most of us know PK as he always lays himself and his emotions open on our Facebook page. I was captivated as he proceeds to tell us the heartbreaking story behind his Vol State attempts and achievements. He goes into depth about the people that matter to him as well. After all this is "All about the people".

We all know that 2024 Vol State was the last year with crews allowed. These two people explain what it's like to start screwed and then eventually switch - either to crewed status or being crewed. Trish also has what I consider the most profound story about what her return to Vol State taught her. It's pretty captivating and it was fun to have both of them on the show.

Not sure how i got so lucky to be able to interview Cory Reese. He's been an idol of mine since even before he did Vol State. In this episode, you'll hear about the struggles in his journey in Tennessee and in life. He'll pull you in deeply making you want to read all his books, watch his YouTube videos and listen to all his music. Show Notes:  YouTube Video: Cory Reese - The Last Annual Vol State 500k  Books:  Nowhere Near First:  Nowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures From The Back Of The Pack: Reese, Cory: 9781537001807: Amazon.com: Books Into the Furnace: Into The Furnace: How a 135 mile run across Death Valley set my soul on fire: Reese, Cory, Thoreson, Luke, Karnazes, Dean: 9781987711585: Amazon.com: Books   Stronger than the Dark: Stronger Than the Dark: Exploring the Intimate Relationship Between Running and Depression: Reese, Cory: 9781736966402: Amazon.com: Books

I had so much fun with Avalon. She is a delight and her story shows the fierce determination she has. Her accomplishments aren't just with Vol State but also in life. Listen to her and you'll gain some insight about what's important and what isn't.

Brian fits my definition of a "Laz Addict" if I ever met one. He's done all the races - HOTS, Vol State and Third Circle!  Of course, there are many more races in his resume, but we focus on the Laz journey runs. He offers so many tips, even I had to listen again and hurry to scribble them down. He also has some insights into crewing as he crewed his wife at Vol State in 2024. I know you'll love this one.

Nancy Barber was one of two people who saved my race in 2023 and she began the saving on day 1 at about mile 23! She has many stories of her own and you should be able to pick up a copy of her new book: Vol State 500K: A Journey Through Madness, Blurring the Lines of American Division. Her favorite descriptor of her running/hiking behavior is "lolly-gagging". Listen to find out how she mastered that in 2023.

This up and coming young man has definitely risen to the top in 2024. Although there are several audio glitches since Addison had to do the interview at a rest stop while he's on the road, I think you'll enjoy listening to his enthusiasm and hearing about his winning races.

I am so honored to have had this time with the Vol State course record holder, King Bob Hearn! This elite runner is one of the kindest gentlemen I know and I'm sure you'll agree once you listen to this episode.   The puzzle of Running  The Puzzle of Running: 2021 (bobhearn.blogspot.com) Podcasts: The Adventure Jogger https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hnvyCc4oaIjiYL3Mf4xfw?si=MtIevLuwTfmmeTKt7FCbAw   The pain cave (with Beverley Anderson-Abbs) 2021 Episode 91 - Vol State Extravaganza with Bob Hearn and Beverley Anderson-Abbs — Gunksrunner.com  The Pain Cave 2020 Episode 67 - Twenty Questions with Bob Hearn — Gunksrunner.com   Chasing Tomorrow https://open.spotify.com/episode/2a8uB3BSIhDV6r7YLw1POI?si=mM9D3wCZT3Si40z-v4Lcjw

This is the first running couple we've featured - both on here together. If you know Mark and Beth, then you are familiar with "we're never doing this again" echoing in the background as they toe the start line for the next "Torture By Laz". It was so much fun listening to how they started running ultras and how they do them together. I think you'll enjoy this a lot.

This woman never stops smiling and if you listen to her, she apparently never stops talking too! Her energy is beyond compare and I was so thrilled to have her talk with me for almost and hour and a half. Her stories of Vol State outshine those of any others we've listened to yet.

Behind every successful man is a good woman but in this case, it's neck and neck. Vicky Halsey shares her triumph from "if Jim can do this, maybe I can too" to "I can do this alone". Vicky gives us great tips and stories to help lead us into the fall season. Even though Vol State 2025 is months away, the excitement NEVER goes away!

Kara has a surprise discussion about her 2025 race but that's at the end so you have to listen to the whole thing. It will definitely be worth it because she shows how she overcame near hypothermia (yes, that can happen even in July so don't be smug), switching to crewed as she kept her primary goal in mind - reaching the rock. Full of wisdom and gritty stories, Kara earned her mashed potatoes (teasing you).

What a legend. Paul Heckert is well known throughout the running (and especially the ultra) community. His is definitely a Vol State master and one to whom I owe a great deal since he saved my race in 2021! That's when he got the nickname "The Warden" because he adopted that role so readily in keeping me trudging over the miles to reach the Rock. I owe Paul a great deal. Enjoy your listen!

I finally corralled The Dancing Queen. Her interview is short but jam packed with wisdom and fun. I am honored to know her and so grateful she overcame her shyness to be on with me.

This man made me laugh more than anyone ever has so kudos to him. He has such great info and even though I say that every week, it's even more evident when you listen to his enthusiasm. You can get so much energy just from your time with him even if you've never met him. If I listened to any audio during Vol State, this would be the thing I played over and over again. Not a word is wasted airwaves! He's also an amazing trauma therapist with two sites you should visit: EternalEndurance.com and BrainFreease.com (and yes that's spelled correctly). His work with veterans is so important. I am so grateful he took the time to be on the show for us.

This man has done it all - and done it all many times over. Not only did he serve our country (for which I am extremely appreciative) but he's served the ultra community as well, always giving back. Get some hard core advice from a very special guy!

Joey is one of the nicest guys I know and you'll understand why as you listen to his heartfelt tales of Vol State "failure" and success in this episode. He tells you some "must-do's", one of which is to realize that this is a Vacation (without a car) and you should treat it as such! Enjoy

Scott is one of the four "knee jerks" and he explains more about this during this episode. He also shares some of the people and items that have made his race(s) a success.

Salley is a Vol State veteran as well as a United States Marine Corps Veteran. She advocates two simple things - "keep moving forward" and "trust yourself". Easy to say but not always easy to do. That's why you need to listen to her talk about her experiences in this Podcast

With the 2024 Vol State race just around the corner, I wanted to help you through the last weekend of nerves by giving you this bonus episode of talking with Road Angel, David Scott (and all related to him). He will charm you in this episode as he does in person when you see him. What an amazing Road Angel (whom I first thought was a hallucination).

Carmel and Jarrod were "the Boys" in my latest book and on this episode Carmel gives his side of the story. Ha ha. Seriously though, he has many more tips and tricks and tells of how companionship at Vol State not only helps you keep on going but also leads to life long friends.

This episode features a Spam loving Race Director who has participated in all three summer vacations without a car - Vol State, HOTS and Third Circle. Can you spell "Wise"? Or maybe there's a better word??? Enjoy his adventures as he brings you along in his pack.

Another Vol State friend for life. After the 2018 Vol State, Diane helped me in my attempt to cross the US. without her, I'd have ended up in Hawaii since I'm so geographically challenged. But this retired Marine was definitely always faithful and always there for me. You can't ask for a better friend! Listen to her Vol State and HOTS escapades.

Another man near and dear to my heart and further proof of the friendships made along the road at Vol State. Justin Daniels is one of the kindest and most generous men I know. Check out RunningForCOPD on Facebook and also go to www.COPDfoundation.org and search for Justin's name..or you can simply google Justin Daniels Running for COPD. It's a great cause and I was honored to listen to him talk about it.

This is a special episode so I called it a bonus. Mr. & Mrs. Bailey sent me a written document with all the answers to the questions I would have asked. They did this in lieu of being on the podcast. So, today I read his document in order for you to see what wonderful people the Baileys are. It's one sided but I hope I did his epistle justice!

If you want detail about what to pack and what to pay attention to, you've come to the right episode. Jenny Appel is the detail gal. And she has some really useful quotes to help you too.

Having a great dea in common with Emmanuel this was a joy to record. He's such a humble guy yet filled with so much knowledge. It's so enjoyable to listen to his tales.  

What a wealth of information! Dexter has done so much and shares the down to the basics with us to help make it through those 314 miles across Tennessee. This is a can't miss episode! Note: This episode seems louder than usual so turn down your volume before you begin.

Andrea Sloan has an amazing resume and she shares her wisdom from her many ultras, including, of course, Vol State. Canada is so lucky to have her!

In this episode you get three for the price of one - all in the persona of Jarrod Richardson. He's gone from Road Angel to DNF to Veteran! If you've ever been intrigued by the signs along the course (other than the political ones), you've seen his town and the surrounding towns come out to cheer him on! He's got lots of tips.

Another Road Angel who's not shy. If you've passed Serenity Hill, you know Lorraine. From what she's seen, she thinks you get through this race with experience, strength and hope...and she wants to help. She has called this "The Race of the Mind".

Plans don't always turn out as you hope. Listen to Jay Zeller discuss the ups and downs of his 2023 Vol State. Listsen as he helps you understand that no matter how good the intention, not everyone reaches the rock. Email Jay at Coach365USA@gmail.com 78 Days to Bataan https://a.co/d/grXEOg9 Everything Matters https://a.co/d/cT22dQE Coach 'Em Up; Going beyond the W in sports https://a.co/d/7kra8b2 Becoming a Soldier https://a.co/d/dbh4deO