The Ultra Stories Podcast
141 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 57 ratingsUltra Stories is brought to you by The Human Potential Running Series, Colorado's largest series of ultra marathons. Ultra Stories strives to tell the stories that we get to share on the trails while running together, but don't get to hear in our everyday lives. These are the stories that magazines, or online running media channels, never tell. We find every runner's story fascinating; regardless of where you finish the race; we want to hear the stories that dare you to dream it, move you to do it, and will you to experience it. The Ultra Stories Podcast focuses on telling the unique stories of those individuals who face and overcome adversity through the sport of ultra. It is a celebration of the sport by telling the personal stories of those who participate, and dare to discover their own Human Potential.
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Episodes
Ultra Stories - Episode 141: Helping Leadville, and Our Final Episode
August 30, 2021 19:42 - 1 hour - 211 MBIn the final episode of The Ultra Stories Podcast, join host John Lacroix as he explains how he received the unique opportunity to provide Leadville with feed forward, and what exactly that feed forward was. Then, John signs off for the final time as the host of the Ultra Stories Podcast. In the final mile he explains why this is the final episode, and what's coming next.
Ultra Stories - Episode 140: Your Voice Matters, It's Your Turn
July 20, 2021 18:14 - 56 minutes - 103 MBIn this episode of The Ultra Stories Podcast, host John Lacroix signs off for the remainder of the summer. Before he goes, a quick review of what we've discussed on the show and how it's now your turn to let your collective voices be heard.. or not.. and the impact it will have on the direction of our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 139: Kim Levinsky Race Director of Sassquad Trail Running
July 07, 2021 17:07 - 58 minutes - 107 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix talks with Kim Levinsky. Kim is the founder and race director of Sassquad Trail Running in New Jersey. In this episode the two continue the conversation on ethics, how race directors can work together, and more about Kim's personal journey through ultra running and race directing.
Ultra Stories - Episode 138: What Matters More, The Human? Or The Race?
June 29, 2021 22:57 - 1 hour - 135 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix talks about Gender Identity in Ultramarathon running. He also details the expanded gender policies at The Human Potential Running Series, and your obligation to stand up for what is fair and just in our community.
Ultra Stories - Episode 137: Continuing The Discussion On Ethics
June 23, 2021 23:46 - 1 hour - 111 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix continue the discussion on ultrarunning's ethical dilemma. In this episode Eric and John talk about what race directors and runners can do to improve their ethical approach to putting on, and running in, Ultras.
Ultra Stories - Episode 136: Ultrarunning's Struggle With Being Ethical
June 09, 2021 18:06 - 57 minutes - 105 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix continues to addresses fallout from tragedy at a China ultramarathon. In this conversation we provide what should be ethical best practices of both race directors, and runners, and explore what HPRS has done and will continue to do towards the ethical production of events.
Ultra Stories - Episode 135: The Risk Management Changes Ultra Needs
June 02, 2021 18:52 - 1 hour - 116 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix continue the discussion on risk management in ultrarunning. In this episode Eric and John talk about what race directors can do to improve their risk management protocols, and what runner's can do to hold themselves more accountable with their race prep.
Ultra Stories - Episode 134: The China Tragedy and a Reality Check Stateside
May 27, 2021 03:13 - 1 hour - 135 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix addresses the tragedy at a China ultramarathon, and the ramifications a tragedy such as this would have if it had occurred here. John's statement on the tragedy is followed by continued in depth conversation about our responsibilities in accountability as ultra participants and ultra organizers, in our "extreme" sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 133: The Ironman/UTMB Deal & Ultra Money
May 19, 2021 22:50 - 1 hour - 153 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix discusses why The Human Potential Running Series will no longer host UTMB Qualifiers, and the new partnership between UTMB & Ironman. Then, he welcomes special guest Emily Royal to the show as they discuss the realities regarding the business of Ultra, and how some RDs are price gouging already.
Ultra Stories - Episode 132: Exploring Community With Eugene Kim
April 27, 2021 20:59 - 1 hour - 114 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix welcome Eugene Kim to the show. As a leader for The November Project, Eugene is uniquely qualified to continue the conversation on community.
Ultra Stories - Episode 131: The Intricacies of the Ultra Community
April 22, 2021 04:33 - 1 hour - 159 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix continue their discussion on community. Join John and Eric as we dive deeper into the intricacies of the ultra community, and how leaders and members of our communities play a role in shaping culture.
Ultra Stories - Episode 130: What is The ULTRA COMMUNITY?
April 14, 2021 18:02 - 1 hour - 131 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix begin a discussion on community. Join John and Eric as we dive deeper into the definition of community, and how these two view the current landscape of the ultra community.
Ultra Stories - Episode 129: Ultrarunning's Issue With Its History
March 31, 2021 19:50 - 1 hour - 135 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix talks about the path forward for HPRS through celebration of what was accomplished in 2020; a thanks to our community. Following that, a candid discussion about ultrarunning's issue with its own revised history. An honest discussion about getting history right.
Ultra Stories - Episode 128: Concepts In Entrepreneurism With Nate Sanel
March 17, 2021 00:45 - 1 hour - 123 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix welcome Nate Sanel, Owner of National Powersports Distributors. The episode continues to explore concepts of entrepreneurship in a more general sense, and is catered to both Race Directors and Aspiring Business Owners alike.
Ultra Stories - Episode 127: Victory In Business With Victor Ballesteros
March 09, 2021 23:31 - 1 hour - 134 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix welcome Vic Ballesteros, Owner of Victory Sportdesign. The episode continues to explore concepts of entrepreneurship in the run space, and is catered to both Race Directors and Aspiring Business Owners alike.
Ultra Stories - Episode 126: The ULTRApreneur's Toolbox
March 02, 2021 19:39 - 1 hour - 147 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix continue to discuss entrepreneurism. This episode was produced for race directors already in business, and runners thinking about making a leap into owning one’s own business. It includes the entrepreneurs tool box.
Ultra Stories - Episode 125: Entrepreneurism and Ultrarunning
February 23, 2021 17:55 - 1 hour - 120 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix discuss entrepreneurism. This episode was produced for race directors already in business, and runners thinking about making a leap into owning one's own business.
Ultra Stories - Episode 124: Daring Greatly V2.0
February 16, 2021 20:12 - 1 hour - 132 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix each start by discussing the rising costs of participating in ultras, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Then, we revisit the concept of Daring Greatly and our sports need to get rid of the term DNF.
Ultra Stories - Episode 123: Ultra Leadership with Francesca Conte
February 10, 2021 18:46 - 1 hour - 126 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix sit down with Francesca Conte, co-RD of Bad to the Bone and Ultra Race of Champions. They continue the discussion on the social responsibility of our community of runners to be positive leaders of our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 122: Leading Runners with Kelly Newlon
February 02, 2021 18:27 - 1 hour - 110 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix sit down with Kelly Newlon, the woman behind Real Athlete Diets (RAD) in Boulder, CO. They continue the discussion on the social responsibility of our community of runners to be positive leaders of our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 121: Your Duty As A Trail and Ultra Runner
January 28, 2021 00:21 - 1 hour - 124 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix each discuss the duty that each trail and ultrarunner should take on to help move our sport forward in a positive direction.
Ultra Stories - Episode 120: Aric Manning, Trail Manners
January 12, 2021 19:02 - 1 hour - 121 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix sit down with Aric Manning, the man behind The Trail Manners Podcast. They discuss The Trail Foundation of Northern Utah and how athletes can get involved to protect our trails. They also discuss the social responsibility of our community of runners to be positive leaders of our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 119: ITRA President Bob Crowley
January 06, 2021 17:02 - 1 hour - 131 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix sit down with International Trail Running Association (ITRA) President Bob Crowley to discuss the current climate of trail and ultra running, and where we're headed from here.
Ultra Stories - Episode 118: The State Of Our Sport and How HPRS Hosted Their Full Calendar in 2020
December 30, 2020 01:45 - 1 hour - 119 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix gives his honest opinion of The Current State of Our Sport, highlighting data trends, and discussing how personal politics are causing us to lose focus on our roots. Then, he talks about how it is that HPRS hosted their full calendar of events in 2020.
Ultra Stories - Episode 117: Three Truths About Our Current State of Ultra
December 23, 2020 23:08 - 1 hour - 139 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix each discuss their top three truths about ultrarunning today, with discussion on what we can all do to continue moving forward.
Ultra Stories - Episode 116: Strength Training with Chad Chrisman
December 16, 2020 22:46 - 59 minutes - 108 MBUltra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix are joined by owner and lead trainer of Ignite Fitness & Performance, Chad Chrisman. In this episode, we discuss the importance of strength and cross training for ultrarunners.
Ultra Stories - Episode 115: Rebooting Your Running
December 10, 2020 00:12 - 54 minutes - 99.4 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts John Lacroix and Eric Chrisman have a discussion about rebooting your running. After a year when so many stopped training, it's important to get back on track so we all can return to run again!
Ultra Stories - Episode 114: Returning to Community
December 02, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 147 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories hosts John Lacroix and Eric Chrisman have a discussion about community, and how it truly is best for our sport as a whole to put business aside and get back to lifting each other up.. TOGETHER.
Ultra Stories - Episode 113: Nate Moore
November 24, 2020 21:12 - 1 hour - 134 MBUltra Stories hosts Eric Chrisman and John Lacroix are joined by owner and race director of San Joaquin Running, Nate Moore. In this episode, we get to know Nate and continue the conversation on Authenticity.
Ultra Stories - Episode 112: Authenticity
November 18, 2020 23:38 - 1 hour - 127 MBIn this episode, Ultra Stories host John Lacroix and Eric Chrisman explore the concept of Authenticity, and why it's important to be our most authentic selves during the current climate.
Ultra Stories - Episode 111: Drew Ralston
November 13, 2020 04:38 - 58 minutes - 107 MBTake a run with ultrarunner Drew Ralston in our Season 4 kickoff show! In this episode we learn about Drew's adventure into endurance sports and ultramarathon running, we talk about his military service to our country, and we hear a collection of unique stories that have molded Drew into the athlete he is today.
Ultra Stories - Episode 110: Matt Miller and BASE Performance
October 29, 2020 17:33 - 1 hour - 149 MBSEASON 3 FINALE: Take a run with the founder and owner of BASE Performance Matt Miller. Matt is an accomplished triathlete who turned his passion into his livlihood by created the popular race hydration brand BASE Performance. In this episode John and Matt talk about Matt's journey to endurance sports, why he started BASE, and what sets their products apart from all the rest. There's also mention of a 25% code to use if you'd like to try their products!
Ultra Stories - Episode 109: Setting Expectations For The Return
October 14, 2020 23:56 - 1 hour - 139 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories hosts John Lacroix and Eric Chrisman as we continue to discuss A Path Forward. In this episode John and Eric set expectations as races begin to come back on line, and even dive a little bit into a code of conduct we hope all participants can adhere to moving forward. This episode focuses on respect, equality, and getting back to what matters.
Ultra Stories - Episode 108: A Path Forward
October 07, 2020 20:31 - 1 hour - 140 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories as we discuss A Path Forward. In this episode we are joined by Eric Chrisman of Elevation Culture, and "Houda" Race Director for The Trans Rockies Race Series, as we come together to discuss the ongoing affects of Covid-19 on the sport of trail and ultra running, and our path forward from here.
Ultra Stories - Episode 107: Arkansas
September 29, 2020 19:20 - 1 hour - 142 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as he discusses how the HPRS Razorback Running Revival came to be, and the challenges we now face for directing a race in a different state. He shares feedback he gave to the AT100 last fall, and the fallout from providing that feedback. Ultra has no borders, and this episode is about how communities can still work together to lift each other up.
Ultra Stories - Episode 106: A Sneak Peek Behind The Scenes Post Race
September 24, 2020 17:28 - 1 hour - 176 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix, and a few members of the HPRS Board of Directors. In this episode we give you a sneak peek into the behind the scenes in the days immediately following a race. If you ever thought race organizers were on cloud-9 following a successful event, this episode gives you insight into where we're really at. An entertaining show with sleep deprived event organizers!
Ultra Stories - Episode 105: Why We Walked From Ultrasignup
September 08, 2020 20:34 - 1 hour - 120 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix, as he speaks candidly about why HPRS has decided to part ways with Ultrasignup. In this episode John read's a statement collectively prepared by the HPRS Board of Directors, then speaks openly about what ultimately lead to the decision and what unethical behavior has transpired since.
Ultra Stories - Episode 104: Are There Winners In The Human Race?
August 19, 2020 22:28 - 1 hour - 144 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories Host John Lacroix, as he sits down with HPRS Assistant RD Emily Royal. In this episode we dive into what experiences around elite runners have shaped John's opinions, and how it has made the HPRS Series' of events different because of it. We focus on the old school rules of ultra and how they should still be a priority today and that being a good human, as well as personally accountable, will take you far in this sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 103: Changing the World
August 13, 2020 00:03 - 1 hour - 114 MBTake a run with ultrarunner Tracy Thelen (41, Grand Junction) as we hear the answer on the back of her bib from the 2020 Stories Ultra. In this episode we talk about how each of us has the capacity to change the world. We talk about the differences in mindset between thinking big and looking to the small. We dive into serving your village as a way to affect the global in the long term, and the importance of volunteering in our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 102: Michelle Wilfong-Oliphant Resolving Conflict
July 30, 2020 02:48 - 47 minutes - 87.3 MBTake a run with ultrarunner Michelle Wilfong-Oliphant (31, Denver) as we hear her story of how she got into running and ultra. Then we ask Michelle for the question on the back of her bib from Stories Ultra. The conversation focuses on how Michelle works to resolve conflict, and how we others may as well.
Ultra Stories - Episode 101: Michael Horner and Your Authentic Self
July 23, 2020 00:16 - 1 hour - 124 MBTake a run with ultrarunner Michael Horner (55, Virginia) as we hear his story of how he got into running and ultra. Then we ask Michael for the question on the back of his bib from Stories Ultra, and he takes us on a journey speaking about being our authentic selves. Also in this episode, host John Lacroix reviews HPRS' return to Covid, and commentary on the cancelled Wyoming Range 100.
Ultra Stories - Episode 100: THE RETURN TO ULTRA
July 01, 2020 18:39 - 53 minutes - 97.9 MBJoin Ultra Stories host John Lacroix as we celebrate our 100th Episode! In this episode we briefly go over the stats from our first 99 episodes before we dive into the real nitty gritty, a discussion about how it is that HPRS is returning to racing while so many around us are not. We're prepared to take on the new-world while providing you with the same great race day experience as the old. Hear how we made it happen, and we answer questions and fears from our community!
Ultra Stories - Episode 99: Hillary Kinzie and Resolving Conflict
June 25, 2020 22:19 - 51 minutes - 94 MBJoin ultrarunner Hillary Kinzie (29, Colorado Springs, CO) as we continue our conversations from the 2020 Stories Ultra. In this episode we hear Hillary's journey into running and ultrarunning. Then we have a candid discussion about conflict and how she works to resolve it, and how others can as well.
Ultra Stories - Episode 98: Christina Kuhl - Growing Dreams Into Action
June 17, 2020 23:25 - 53 minutes - 97.9 MBJoin ultrarunner Christina Kuhl (30, Colorado Springs, CO) as we continue our conversations from the 2020 Stories Ultra. In this episode we hear Christina's journey into crossfit, running, and then ultrarunning. She discusses the parallels of her life as a teacher, and how it transfers into her world as a student. She'll then answer the question from the back of her bib, "How have your dreams grown into action?"
Ultra Stories - Episode 97: Jen Bergstrom & Advice
June 10, 2020 23:03 - 46 minutes - 84.2 MBJoin ultrarunner Jen Bergstrom (39, Thornton, CO) as we return to our conversations from the 2020 Stories Ultra. In this episode we hear Jen's journey into running, triathlon, and then ultrarunning. She'll then answer the question from the back of her bib, "What is the best/worst advice you've ever received?"
Ultra Stories - Episode 96: The Petition - My Side
June 02, 2020 18:25 - 40 minutes - 73.5 MBJoin host John Lacroix as he discusses specific events from 2019. In this episode, John speaks openly about the May 2019 petition against him, what transpired that lead to its creation, a frank discussion about the allegations shared within that petition, a recap of how he responded, and discussion about the work he's done since.
Ultra Stories - Episode 95: To Make Peace or To Stir The Pot
May 13, 2020 18:06 - 1 hour - 154 MBJoin host John Lacroix as we dive into stories from the 2020 Stories Ultra. In this episode, John interviews Tom Clutter (32, St. Louis) about his journey into ultra, and then the question that was on the back of his bib. "In your daily life, are you someone who make's peace, or stirs the pot?" The two also get into a discussion about Truth Default, and is followed up by a commentary from John.
Ultra Stories - Episode 94: Town Hall Part 2 - Races
April 29, 2020 17:40 - 1 hour - 167 MBIn part 2 of this 2 part series, we'll hear from RD Rob Goyen of Trail Racing Over Texas, and Ultra Stories Host and HPRS RD John Lacroix. They discuss how COVID-19 has affected their races, their business, and what they see for the future of our sport moving forward. Also, we share HPRS' detailed plan for our races moving forward.
Ultra Stories - Episode 93: Town Hall Part 1 - Vendors
April 22, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBIn part 1 of this 2 part series, we'll hear from two prominent trail and ultra business owners; Joshua Sprague of Orange Mud, and Eric Chrisman of Elevation Culture. Both will discuss how COVID-19 has affected them, their business, and what they see for the future of their brands and our sport.
Ultra Stories - Episode 92: An Ultra Town Hall On COVID And Our Future
April 14, 2020 17:24 - 1 hour - 116 MBTake a run with Ultra Stories host John Lacroix for this special episode focused on the now, and the future. In this episode John share's a prepared statement with regards to where our sport is at in our current mile and what we can do to ensure the preservation of our races. Finally, a second conversation about what our world will look like when we recreate "normal."