The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast

What happens when race day arrives and the starting bell finally rings at Andy's Backyard Ultra? In this co-hosted episode, Adam and Chris sit down with Katie for an unfiltered race recap of the team's latest battle against the clock and the course.

Adam and Chris share what it was actually like out on the loop—from the early-hour rhythm and mid-race nutrition battles to the inevitable dark hours when every step feels like a negotiation. The crew breaks down the tactical lessons learned, the mental shifts required in a "last runner standing" format, and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the aid station tent. Whether you were tracking live or are curious about what goes down when runners push past the 24-hour mark, this episode delivers the ultimate backyard ultra debrief.

For More Information, check out Andy's Backyard Ultra

How do you balance high-level ultrarunning, motherhood, and a 2,194-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail? In this episode, we sit down with ultrarunner, mother, and author Meg Landymore to explore her incredible endurance resume and dive into her new book, Alone, Together.
Meg takes us through her impressive race history—from her early 100-mile finishes and course records to conquering grueling mountain ultras across the East Coast. Then, we go deep into the story behind her book, Alone, Together, which documents her journey along the Appalachian Trail alongside running partner Celia. Meg reflects on the physical and psychological realities of spending weeks on the AT, navigating internal fears, managing complex logistics, and learning what it truly means to be alone while supporting one another on the trail. Resources & Links Mentioned

• Buy the Book: Alone, Together on Amazon
• Follow Meg on Instagram: @meglandymore.writes and https://www.instagram.com/meglandymore.writes/@meglandymore.ultra
• View Her Race Results: Meg Landymore on UltraSignup
• View Her Backyard Results: @meg-landymore

• Support the Podcast: Enjoyed Meg's story? Leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Big news on the podcast today: Katie did the damn thing! Fresh off the starting line in Bath and crossing the finish line on Market Street in Corning, Katie joins Adam and Chris to break down an absolute dream performance at the Wineglass Marathon.

Katie threw down a massive 17-minute Marathon PR and punched her ticket to Hopkinton by hitting a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ) time! In this episode, we take a full deep dive into the entire journey: from the specific training block and peak mileage weeks that built her fitness, to the race day execution and tactical pacing that kept her strong over the net-downhill course. Katie shares how she managed her fueling, navigated the mental mid-race shifts, and hit the gas down the stretch to secure the ultimate marathon milestone.

How do you go from setting blistering marathon PRs to tracking global statistics for the most grueling format in endurance sports? In this episode, we sit down with elite backyard ultrarunner and stat master Dave Kwiatkowski.

Dave takes us through his running progression—from his early success on the road at 26.2 miles to stepping off-pavement and diving headfirst into the ultra scene. He breaks down how he adapted his road speed into high-yardage consistency, leading to massive success in the "last runner standing" world. Plus, as the creator and mind behind http://www.yardlore.com Dave gives us an insider's look at how the sport is growing and evolving worldwide. And, once and for all, we settle the great debate of grape vs strawberry in the battle for Uncrustable supremacy.

For more information on

Andy's Backyard Ultra

HellGate 100K++

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 collection, and the specific bucket-list races whose bibs earn a permanent spot on the wall or a custom frame. Whether you're a minimalist who tossed your last 100-mile bib or a hoarder with a dedicated "race room," this episode hits close to home.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights

•

To Save or To Toss? The crew debates the two types of runners: memory keepers who save every bib vs. minimalists who chuck them at the finish line.

•

The "Why" Behind the Stash: Why some bibs carry deep emotional weight—milestone distances, PRs, or brutal races where you had to dig deeper than ever before.

•

What to Do with the Collection: Creative ways to store and display bibs, from shadow boxes and custom quilts to race books and garage walls.

•

Special Treatment Races: Which iconic events earned a special frame or prime real estate—and why certain bibs are untouchable.

•

Handling the Scraps: What to do with the safety pins, timing chips, and mud-caked corners that come with trail and ultra bibs.

Correction - Chris actually found 3 extra bibs in a box. They were his high school cross country bibs from the State meets in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

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 jargon, Ron quizzes the crew on definitions every beginner runner should know. Then, Ron takes us on a journey through his personal history with the race—from growing up watching his parents cross the finish line to stepping up to the starting line in Boonsboro himself. It's an inspiring look at race legacy, family traditions, and proving that you don't need a traditional running background to conquer 50 miles.

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 who ensured the runners had everything they needed.

For more information on the Lock 2 Lock Race weekend - check out Lock2Lock

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 style—from the mental shift required as the clock ticks down, to pacing tactics and fighting the urge to quit. Whether you are curious about entering a Final Countdown event or just want to hear the team debate how they’d survive the escalating pressure, this episode is packed with insights and laughs.

For more information, The Final Countdown Tribute

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 you're currently maintaining a multi-year streak, curious about taking on a 30-day challenge, or convinced that rest days are sacred, this episode delivers a transparent look at the pros, cons, and middle ground of running every single day.

For the "official" rules of Run Streaking, check out Streak Runners International / USRSA

Support the Podcast: Loved the round-table format? Let us know! Leave a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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 ultramarathon—the legendary JFK 50—an astonishing 10 times, earned 9 Boston Marathon finishes, conquered the rugged terrain of West Virginia's Highland Sky 40 Mile 5 times, and survived the infamous ratcheting pain of The Barkley Fall Classic 3 times. Mario shares his secrets for injury prevention, maintaining high-level consistency across decades, and keeping the passion alive when the trails get steep.

Support the Podcast: If Mario inspired you to keep chasing big goals at any age, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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 the mental and physical highs and lows of the race, how his fueling plan held up over days of relentless running, and the exact moment he realized he was going to be the last runner standing. If you loved his pre-race episode, this victory deep-dive is the ultimate lesson in turning preparation into performance.

•

Follow Samir on Instagram: @bacaponcee

•

Listen to Samir’s First Episode: Episode 39 - Samir Baca Ponce

•

Support the Podcast: If Samir’s victory inspired your training today, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

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 the physiological mechanics of gut distress, and debunk long-held myths about muscle cramps. Plus, Michael shares actionable blueprints on pre-hydration, hyper-hydration, and emergency mid-race troubleshooting when your stomach starts sloshing at mile 60.

•

Book a Sweat Analysis: Raynor Strength and Nutrition

• Follow on Instagram: @raynorstrengthandnutrition
• Learn More about Precision Hydration Sweat Testing
•

Support the Podcast: Enjoyed this deep-dive into endurance science? Leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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 ultra scene, including setting a blisteringly fast 12:40:22 course record at the Canal Corridor 100, winning 5 out of his last 6 ultras, and battling at premier events like Javelina Jundred and Grindstone 100K. Caleb also shares favorite workouts, race-day stories, and how coaching collegiate athletes shapes his own mindset on the trail.

•

Follow Caleb on Instagram: @coachbowenmuxc

•

Check Caleb's UltraSignup: Caleb Bowen Profile

• Check Caleb's Podcast: Bargain Boys Media
• Check Caleb's performance: Burning River 50 2026

Enjoyed the conversation? Please subscribe and leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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 they were before.

John joins us to demystify the injury rehab process and break down the foundational pillars of bulletproof running. We dive into the true role of physical therapy in a runner's routine, why heavy lifting belongs in an ultra-endurance training block, and the most effective strategies for long-term injury prevention. Plus, John finally settles one of the oldest, most fiercely debated topics in the running community: Should runners actually be stretching more? If you want to keep your joints healthy, your muscles balanced, and your trail career thriving for years to come, this episode is essential listening.

Support the Podcast: If John's advice helped you fix a nagging ache or rethink your training, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

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 block, how he is fine-tuning his nutrition plan to handle the heat and hydration demands of the region, and the exact race goals he has set for himself when the hourly bell starts ringing. If you've ever wanted to know how an elite athlete prepares logistically and mentally for an international backyard ultra, Samir drops the ultimate blueprint in this conversation.

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 3rd-place podium finish at the grueling C&O Canal 100, and her deep, gritty run at the More Miles Last One Standing Backyard Ultra. But beyond the medals and miles, Alyssa opens up about her most demanding—and rewarding—role yet: being a mom to a very active 4-year-old. Alyssa shares her real-world secrets for balancing peak ultra training blocks with family life, making this a must-listen for every parent trying to find harmony between the trails and the living room.

And if you want to hear the one song Alyssa would play on repeat if she could only choose one song - Life Goes On - Oliver Tree

Support the Podcast: If Alyssa's story inspired you to balance your own busy schedule and chase your goals, please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

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 brutal trail course to take the win at 29 yards—Scott takes us behind the curtain of the "last runner standing" format. We dive into the physical toll of grinding out 4.167-mile loops hour after hour and what it was like to share the trail with his son during his latest triumph.

Whether you are aiming for your first backyard loop or looking to crack triple-digit mileage, Scott shares the ultimate blueprint for outlasting the field.

• Check out Scott on Instagram: @beast_coast_trail_running
•

Read Scott's Elite Race Reports: Beast Coast Trail Running Blog

•

Check out the Global Standings: Scott Snell on Yardlore.com

•

Track the Hardware: Scott Snell on UltraSignup

•

Support the Podcast: If Scott's relentless mindset inspired you to get after your own training goals today, please leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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 is. She takes us behind the scenes of the World Classic, breaking down the intense physical toll of pairing a blazing 70-second lap pace with rapid gas exchange and carbonation management. Elizabeth shares her elite tactical secrets, from her specialized breathing and chugging techniques to why choosing the right beer is key to winning a world title. Whether you’re looking to shave seconds off your local fun run or just want to marvel at elite-level gastrointestinal discipline, this episode is gold. And Harry Styles, you've officially been challenged to a beer mile.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram: @elizabethlaseter

And Beermile.com: @elizabethlaseter

For more info on the North American Classic

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 her training regimen, how she maintains her signature joyful attitude when the racing gets brutal, and what it really means to run "brave." Plus, she gives us an exclusive inside look at her “audacious” race plans for the rest of 2026 and heading into 2027. If you want a masterclass in elite mindset and pure trail stoke, this is the episode for you.

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 bulletproof recovery or just want to know how to stomach four beers in a mile, Chris breaks it all down.