Vol State: It's All About the People

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 Ann...

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...

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 m...

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=MtIevLuwTfmmeT...

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 pota...

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 l...

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...

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).