Golden Hour Adventures Podcast

What does it take to train for 100-mile races. In this episode, we sit down with Max a fire academy technician by day and ultrarunner by passion to talk about everything from his first steps into the sport to toeing the line at some of the most iconic races in the country. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or just ultramarathon-curious, Max's story is equal parts practical and inspiring.

What's this episode about?

In this raw and honest conversation, Robbie and Justin open up about the mental and physical battles they've faced — from grinding through ultramarathon training to confronting the harder terrain of mental health. Whether you're chasing a finish line or just trying to get through the week, this one's for you.

Lace up and tune in — this episode of Golden Hour Adventures goes deep into the world of ultra running with a special guest who knows what it takes to push beyond every limit. Justin and Robbie sit down with Carrie Hammond to unpack race experiences, the mental and physical grit required to compete at the highest level, and what's on the horizon for trail running.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or jus...

Episode Summary

What does military service have in common with sleep science and adventure racing? For Rob Sweetman, everything. In this episode, Rob takes us through a remarkable life arc  from the discipline and brotherhood of military service to the lab, where he studied w...

Guest: Eve Massey, Founder of Rising Mountain Coaching

Eve Massey joins the show to talk all things ultra running — from the grit of race day to the art of building community through thoughtful race organization. As the founder of Rising Mountain Coaching, Eve brings a coach's eye and a runner's heart to every conversation.

In this episode, she breaks down what it r...

What's up, trail fam! This week on Tales from the Trail we're going deep on three things: Justin's sufferfest in the West Virginia hills, the internet's least self-aware brand activation of the year courtesy of Satisfy and Adidas, and the wildfire that is the Cam Hanes USADA situation. Buckle up.

Justin finally checked the Mountain St...

Golden Hour Adventures Podcast

What does it take to dream up a 100-mile ultra marathon in the mountains — and then actually pull it off? In this episode, we sit down with Megan, the race director behind the Crazy Mountain 100, to pull back the curtain on one of the most demanding and beloved mountain ultras around.

From navigating complex landowner relationships to solving the...

Join us as we explore the West Virginia Trail Fest with organizer Alexander Papadopoulos. Discover the race details, scenic trails, family activities, and what makes this event a must-visit for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Trail Running, West Virginia, Trail Fest, Ultra Marathon, Mountain Trails, Family Activities, Race Planning, Scenic Trails, Ultra Races, Adventure Travel Race details and course layout Family-friendly a...

Robbie's back from the trails with stories, sweat, and hard-won wisdom. In this episode, Robbie and Justin break down what it really takes to tackle a 200-mile race — including Robbie's strategy heading into The Pilgrimage, coming up the first week of May. From training blocks and pacing plans to mental resilience and the surprisingly joyful chaos of running with a stroller, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and...

What does it take to leave a stable corporate career, build something of your own, and push your body to its limits on mountain trails? Isabella Janovick is doing all three — and she makes it look almost effortless.

Isabella is a marketing strategist turned entrepreneur and competitive ultra runner. In this episode, she opens up about the leap of faith behind starting her own business, how trail running became more than just...

Miles Beyond the Mission: An Air Force Ultra Runner's Journey with Jason DeGrasse

What does it take to push your body — and mind — past every limit you thought you had? In this episode, we sit down with Jason DeGrasse, active Air Force service member and accomplished ultra runner, to explore the parallel worlds of military discipline and endurance sport. Jason shares how he found his way into long-distance running, what...

Jesse Ellis of Let's Wonder Productions pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a media brand in the ultra running world. From scrappy beginnings to a full-fledged live streaming operation, Jesse walks through the evolution of Let's Wonder Productions — how it started, what shaped it, and where it's headed. He digs into the unique challenges of live streaming ultra races: unpredictable terrain, remote location...

Lance Smith didn't set out to become a name in ultra running — he just laced up and kept going. In this episode, Lance tells the unfiltered story of his journey through the sport: the grind, the setbacks, and the moments that made it all worth it.

We get into his Mickelson Trail FKT — what it took to chase it down, what broke him along the way, and what pushed him across the finish line. But Lance's story doesn't stop a...

Join Justin Andreas and guest Chris Riley as they explore ultra marathon topics, race strategies, race experiences, and the evolving landscape of trail running. Gain insights into race planning, gear choices, and the mental aspects of ultra running.

 ultra marathon, trail running, race strategies, race experiences, gear, mental toughness, race planning, ultrarunning community

 key  topics

Pacers in elite ultra race...

If you'd like to donate to Orla's fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation for NYC marathon. https://give.bcrf.org/newyorkrundiva

The Story Orla McCarville was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Christmas 2024. Rather than stepping back from her life, she ran straight through treatment—literally. She completed six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 19 sessions of radiation, all while lacing up her running sho...

Justin and Robbie recap their experience at the Tanana River Challenge, a race that perfectly captures what running in Alaska is all about. Tough conditions, wild terrain, and the kind of mental resilience that only comes from pushing through long miles in the cold.

Race morning started at a bitter -18°F, setting the tone for the day. The first 17 miles were surprisingly runnable an...

summary

Join us as we discuss ultra running in extreme conditions, training strategies for limited schedules, and the mental toughness required for endurance sports. Perfect for runners looking to push their limits and adapt their training.

keywords

ultra running, training, endurance, snow, race strategy, mental toughness, marathon, race conditions

key  topics

Ultra running in extreme weather conditions Training strategies f...

Summary

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Justin and Robbie discuss Robbie's recent switch from Android to Apple, exploring the seamless integration of Apple products and the benefits of the Apple ecosystem. They also delve into the recent world record-breaking performance in ultra running, the role of pacers in elite races, and the need for prize money in the sport. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of te...

Summary

In this episode of Golden Hour Adventures, Justin and Robbie welcome Ashley Pipkin, an ultra-runner and cross-country coach. They discuss Ashley's journey from running in high school to competing in ultra marathons, her experiences in collegiate athletics, and the challenges of coaching young athletes. The conversation also covers race strategies, fueling techniques for long-distance running, and Ashley's recent podium fini...