The Journey Running Podcast

In this episode, Stefan Schuster discusses his new book Beyond the Singletrack , sharing insights on ultrarunning, personal growth, and life lessons learned through endurance sports. He also details the writing process, inspirations, and how running shapes character and success. Book Summary: From middle school miles and marathons to some of the most demanding ultramarathons in the world – includi...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, Stefan Schuster interviews Jill Wilkins, a remarkable ultrarunner who recently completed the Cocodona 250.  They discuss her journey from beginner to 250-mile finisher, overcoming challenges like eating disorders, and  life-changing lessons learned through ultrarunning. Jill also walks listeners through her experience at this year's Cocodona 250...

In this episode, I share my detailed experience at the Jackpot 100. I cover race strategy, mental toughness, self-care, social interactions, lessons learned from running on concrete and review my performance as well. This episode offers valuable insights, tips & tricks for ultrarunners who are looking to improve their race approach and mindset at looped ultras. I also give a detailed report of...

In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud and Seven Clay where they explore his journey from endurance athlete to successful entrepreneur. They discuss industry changes, product innovation, and the importance of perseverance and positivity. Josh also shares a few of the many stories he has amassed from his time as an adventure racing participant. He discusses...

In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews ultrarunning Race Director John Lacroix, owner and founder of the Human Potential Running Series. John has directed the second-most ultramarathons in the sport’s history and has completed 24 100-mile races himself. Drawing from his experience as both a race director and an athlete, John reflects on the evolution of ultrarunning since he entered the sport...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster speaks with Boulder Burrito League champions Kelsey Lakowske and Sean Hollister about their journey into ultrarunning, the Burrito League challenge, and the importance of community in the sport. Kelsey & Sean talk about how they ran their first 100 miler on the last day of the Burrito League challenge, lessons learned from th...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster speaks with Registered Dietitian, Alyssa Lieb about the intersection of nutrition and ultrarunning. They discuss Alyssa's journey to becoming a dietitian and ultrarunner, the importance of adequate fueling for athletes, and the anti-diet approach that focuses on habits rather than weight. The conversation also covers the rep...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster shares his detailed race report of the Leadville 100, an iconic ultra marathon. He discusses tons of coaching advice, sports science and general tips and tricks to succeed at this race including his preparation, strategies for nutrition and hydration, and the importance of efficient aid station transitions. Throughout the convers...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster welcomes TJ Harms-Synkiew, an ultrarunner with a diverse background in trail running, seasonal work and trail maintenance to the show. Together they discuss the importance of trail work, TJ's transition to ultra running, and the mental challenges faced in endurance sports. TJ shares his journey from completing his first mara...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster welcomes trail medic and ultra runner Natasha Swartley. They discuss Natasha's journey from military service to trail running, her experiences as a medic, and the importance of optimism and resilience in both life and running. Natasha shares her insights on mental health, the impact of running on her well-being, and her nutr...

In this episode of the Journey Running podcast, host Stefan Schuster interviews Jordan Wasson, the owner of Helios Laser Therapy. They discuss the benefits of laser therapy for ultra runners and athletes, including its effectiveness in treating soft tissue injuries and accelerating recovery. Jordan shares his personal journey into the field, the process of a typical laser therapy session, and the...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster discusses his personal goal of completing the Rocky Mountain Slam in 2026, a challenging series of four 100-mile races in the Rocky Mountains. He shares insights on the history of the slam, the races involved, and the unique challenges they present. Stefan also reflects on his motivations for pursuing this goal, including the thr...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster interviews his father, Craig Schuster, who shares his inspiring journey into running marathons and ultra marathons later in life. Craig discusses his motivations, training experiences, and the impact of charity on his running journey. The conversation covers various marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon, New York Maratho...

In this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, host Stefan Schuster provides an in-depth recap of his experience at the Western States 100, sharing insights on preparation, race day dynamics, nutrition strategies, and the challenges faced during the race. He emphasizes the importance of efficient aid stations, the role of crew support, and the mental aspects of tackling the canyons. Stefan also d...

Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I recap my experience crewing and pacing the Badwater 135. In this episode, I do my best to  provide invaluable insights for runners, crews and pacers through story telling about what my experience out there was like. Notable talking points include: discussions about our runner's highs and lows and how to improve upon those in the f...

Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I have on Danny Manimbo, who recaps his recent finish at the notorious Badwater 135. The Badwater 135 is the famous 135 mile ultramarathon that runs from Badwater (the lowest point in the Western hemisphere), through Death Valley and to Whitney Portal. Badwater is no doubt the hottest race on Earth and dubs itself "The World's...

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 18 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I discuss training and preparing for the Western States 100. I walk listeners through each phase of my training plan (Base Building, Speed Work + Long Runs, Running a Tune-up Race, Fine Tuning things and then Tapering). I also intertwine subjects such as human physiology, nutrition for ultrarunning and heat trai...

Hello all and welcome to episode 17 of the Journey Running Podcast! In this episode, I discuss the general topic of how to become a Registered Dietitian. I talk about why I decided to become an RD and the steps required to become one in specific detail. Generally speaking, those steps involve completing a Master's program, a dietetic internship (the nutrition equivalent to a residency program...

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 16 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I talk about planning for an upcoming race season. With 2025 approaching, this is a subject on many athletes' minds. Topics discussed in this episode include determining priorities, what races you want to run, budgeting for races and finding unique ways to run ultramarathons for cheap or discounted prices....

Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, I have on my good friend Lizzy Rouce. In this episode we discuss Lizzy's running career along with her first 100 miler, the Hood Hundred. Other events discussed include the Sangre de Cristo Ultras, Never Summer 100k, and hiking the Colorado 14'ers.  As always, thank you for taking the time to listen! Enjoy the episode! -Stefan...

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Journey Running Podcast. This episode is about my journey to qualifying for the Boston Marathon. My hope is that my atypical route to qualifying (running marathons then leaving road racing for 6 years to focus on ultrarunning before returning to a road marathon) can help create a unique roadmap for those out there who are looking to BQ and who may be in a similar si...

Hi everyone, in this episode of the Journey Running Podcast, we have on Kevin Kolloff. Kevin recently ran  the Leadville 100 Mile Endurance Run and in this episode, we dive into Kevin's training, preparation and race itself. One thing that makes this episode special is that Kevin is a Journey Running athlete and the first athlete I have coached for a race to be on this podcast. Overall, this...

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 12 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I have on our main guest, Patrick McClellan along with Joel Gartenberg, who acts as a co-host. Patrick is an ultrarunner with experience running the Leadville 100, Ouray 100, Moab 240 and more! Patrick is a world traveler, yoga instructor and van life connoisseur. In this episode, we talk about all of these subj...

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 11 of the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I have on my good friend and 2x Leadman Finisher, Brian Steiner. In this episode, Brian talks about his experiences running the Leadville Race Series events that compose what is known as the Leadman Series. Brian and I go in depth about his two Leadville 100 Mile Endurance Run Finishes and talk about our experie...

Hi everyone and welcome to episode 10 the Journey Running Podcast. In this episode, I have on Josh Iwai, who talks about discipline, honing a process-oriented mentality and his running streak of 1000+ days. Josh Iwai truly is a man who has fallen in love with the process of training and more importantly using running as his medium to become a better a better person through sport. Josh very much ex...