The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast

71:48

Episode 49 - The Debate you didn't know you needed....

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/10/03

What do you actually do with those crumpled, sweat-stained squares of Tyvek after you cross the finish line? In this episode, Adam, Chris, and Katie dive into the great runner debate: The Fate of the Race Bib.The crew gets honest about their post-race habits—discussing whether they keep every single bib, throw them out immediately, or let them pile up in a forgotten drawer. We explore the emotional psychology behind preserving race memories vs. decluttering, creative ways to display or upcycle your

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85:52

Episode 48 - Ron Keplinger - non-runner who conquered...

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/09/28

What happens when a self-described "non-runner" falls in love with America’s oldest ultramarathon? In this special episode, we sit down with Ron Keplinger, a five-time finisher of the legendary JFK 50 Mile and an official member of the JFK 250 Mile Club (earned after completing 250 total miles across five finishes). Ron turns the tables on the show by putting host trio Adam, Chris, and Katie in the hot seat for a fun segment decoding everyday running lingo. From technical terms to obscure trail

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54:55

Episode 47 - Lock 2 Lock Recap

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/09/19

Are you looking for a fast, flat, trail race in the Mid-Atlantic? Adam, Chris, and Katie sit down to give you the ultimate runner’s guide to the Lock 2 Lock Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K!Set along the historic, C&O canal towpath, Lock 2 Lock offers something for every type of runner—whether you're aiming for a fast 10K PR, stepping up to the half marathon distance, or grinding out 26.2 continuous miles. This year's event was a huge success, in large part thanks to the amazing volunteers

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57:46

Episode 46 - The Final Countdown Tribute

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/09/12

How do you combine the physical endurance of a Backyard Ultra with the heart-pumping intensity of a fast-paced sprint finish? Adam, Chris, and Katie, break down one of the most exciting twists in endurance sports: The Final Countdown Tribute race format.Unlike a traditional Backyard Ultra where every loop gives you a full 60 minutes, the Final Countdown format turns up the pressure by shrinking the time limit with every single lap. The crew dives deep into the unique strategic demands of this race

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73:10

Episode 45 - Run Streaking

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/09/05

What happens when you trade dedicated rest days for an unbroken chain of consecutive running days? In this co-hosted round-table episode, We dive deep into the polarized world of Run Streaking—the practice of running at least one mile every single day.Together, we explore the thin line between building unstoppable discipline and sliding into compulsive training habits. From the mental grit required to lace up when life gets chaotic to the biological reality of missing key recovery days. Whether

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46:01

Episode 44 - Mario Zuniga and Running and Doing Hard...

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/08/29

What does true longevity in the sport of ultrarunning actually look like? In this episode, we are joined by the incredible Mario Zuniga (known on Instagram as @zoonigamario). Mario proves that age is just a number when it comes to tackling some of the most iconic, grueling endurance events in the country.What makes Mario's resume mind-boggling is that he accomplished his greatest running milestones all after turning 50 years old. We dive into how he has successfully completed America’s oldest

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44:57

Episode 43 The Champ Returns

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/08/22

He told us his strategy, he built the blueprint, and then he executed it to perfection. Samir Baca Ponce (@bacaponcee) returns to the podcast fresh off an incredible VICTORY at the Backyard Ultra Comayagua in Honduras!When Samir was last on the show, he walked us through his meticulous training block, heat adaptation plans, and nutrition strategy for Comayagua. Today, he’s back to break down what it was actually like when the bell rang and execution met reality. Samir takes us lap-by-lap through

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68:05

Episode 42 - The Science of Sweat with Michael Raynor

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/08/15

Why do so many ultrarunners suffer from stomach shutdown or severe muscle cramping despite taking in fluids? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Raynor, co-founder of Raynor Strength and Nutrition, to dive deep into the science of sweat, hydration, and endurance fueling.Michael breaks down the difference between salty vs. heavy sweaters, what a proper sweat analysis looks like, and why measuring both fluid loss and sodium concentration is a total game-changer for race-day strategy. We tackle

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51:21

Episode 41 - Caleb Bowen

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/08/08

How does a NCAA Division I head coach translate track and cross country speed onto the rugged trails of ultrarunning? In this episode, we are joined by Caleb Bowen, Head Cross Country Coach at Marshall University and one of the most exciting rising talents in the ultrarunning world. Caleb takes us through his running roots—from starting out as an eight-year-old following in his dad's footsteps to competing at the DI level and then coaching for his alma mater. He breaks down his rapid rise in the

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75:58

Episode 40 - No More Red Gumballs with John Pugh from...

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/08/01

As runners, we put our bodies through thousands of repetitive impacts over hundreds of miles. But when an injury strikes, how do we navigate the road back to the trails without losing our hard-earned fitness? In this episode, we are joined by John Pugh, DPT, ATC, SCS, physical therapist and co-founder of the Elite Performance Institute (EPI). John is a Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist who uses biomechanics and corrective exercise to return injured athletes to their sports stronger than

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57:30

Episode 39 - Samir Baca Ponce

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/07/25

What does it take to prepare for the relentless loop of a backyard ultra in the beautiful but demanding terrain of Honduras? In this episode, we are joined by international ultrarunner Samir Baca Ponce (@bacaponcee). Samir is currently deep in the trenches of training for his next big objective: the Backyard Ultra Comayagua in Honduras.Samir takes us completely behind the scenes of his build-up for this unique "last runner standing" event. He pulls back the curtain on his highly specific training

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65:34

Episode 38 - Alyssa Cook

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/07/18

How do you climb the podium at a 100-miler, win a 12-hour endurance challenge, and balance it all with the chaotic energy of raising a fiercely athletic toddler? In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Cook, known to the running community as @adventureswithfyn on Instagram. Alyssa has been absolute fire on the trails recently, and she joins us to pull back the curtain on her incredible string of racing successes.We break down her dominant victory at the Cacapon 12-Hour Challenge, her stellar

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66:33

Episode 37 - Scott Snell

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/07/11

What does it take to become one of the most elite and consistent backyard ultramarathon runners on the planet? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Snell, currently ranked #36 in the world on Yardlore. Scott is a 3x Capital Backyard Champion and set a personal best at the 2024 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, where he pushed to a staggering 88 yards (366+ miles) to capture a World Title. Fresh off his most recent victory at the More Miles Last One Standing Challenge—where he conquered a

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59:34

Episode 36 - Elizabeth Laseter 3X World Beer Mile...

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/07/04

What does it take to run a mile while chugging four beers in under six minutes? In this episode, we are joined by absolute royalty in the track-and-chug scene: Elizabeth Laseter. Elizabeth is a three-time Beer Mile World Champion and one of only two women in human history to officially break the mythical 6-minute barrier in the event, sporting a mind-blowing personal best of 5:56.90. While the beer mile might start as a party trick for most, Elizabeth treats it as the fine-tuned athletic endeavor it

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62:20

Episode 35 - Maeve Thistel

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/06/27

What happens when you combine an elite work ethic, infectious positive energy, and absolute bravery on the trails? You get Maeve Thistel, aka "Maeve the Brave" (@maevethebrave). Maeve has been completely tearing up the Mid-Atlantic ultrarunning scene, seemingly setting a new course record or climbing the top step of the podium every single time she toes a starting line. In this episode, we sit down with the region's breakout star to find out what fuels her dominant performances. Maeve opens up about

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37:07

Episode 34 - 8 races in 7 weeks

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/06/20

How do you survive—and thrive during—eight races in just seven weeks? In this episode, Adam and Katie chat with Chris about his spring racing calendar. Chris just wrapped up a spring racing block that truly tested every gear in his engine.Chris lined up week after week to conquer an incredibly diverse array of challenges. We dive deep into the logistics, the physical toll, and the mental grit required to back up that many starting lines in such a short window. Whether you're looking to build

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62:04

Episode 33 - John Calabrese aka @Breezytrailhead

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/06/13

What does it take to rack up over 170 ultramarathon finishes while never missing a dance recital? In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly prolific John Calabrese (known to the running community as @breezytrailhead). John is famous for his packed race calendar, but behind the jaw-dropping UltraSignup stats is a masterclass in time management, dedication, and family.John opens up about how he balances the grueling physical demands of 24+ hour races with the joyful, high-energy demands of

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80:54

Episode 32 - More Miles Backyard Ultra Recap

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/06/06

Every hour, on the hour, a whistle blows, a group of runners heads out to complete a 4.167-mile loop, and the clock resets. To the outside observer, a Backyard Ultra like the More Miles Last One Standing Challenge seems straightforward: you just keep going until you can't.But behind that simple loop lies a complex web of logistics, mental warfare, and physical demands. In this episode, Katie is pulling back the curtain on the backyard format by chatting with two people who experience it from

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54:47

Episode 31 - Alisha Moreno and the Cocodona 250

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/05/30

What does it actually take to run 250 miles across the rugged terrain of Arizona? As it turns out, it takes a village—or at the very least, a rock-solid partnership.In this episode, we sit down with West Virginia ultrarunner Alisha Moreno, who recently crossed the finish line at the legendary Cocodona 250, alongside her secret weapon: her husband and crew chief, Donald Marsh. We trace their journey from local West Viriginia trails to the massive point-to-point sandbox of Cocodona. Alisha and Donald

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62:00

Episode 30 - Running in the Heat

The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast ·

2026/05/23

As the temperature climbs, does it feel like your normal easy pace suddenly requires an Olympic effort? You aren't imagining it—summer running is a completely different beast.In this episode, Adam, Chris and Katie are diving deep into the brutal reality of summer training. We break down the fascinating physiology of why your body fights you so hard in high temperatures, and more importantly, how you can fight back. Whether you are training for a fall marathon or just trying to survive your local 5K

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