I have learned to expect the unexpected with the amazing people I get to know during these podcasts, and Raven Johnson was no different. Raven had just finished the Hellbender 100 the weekend before we recorded, and not only did she finish, but she finished 3rd female overall! Of course, I wanted to hear every detail of this journey, as I also knew that this was also her first time running the 100 mile distance. When you run ultras, it is extremely helpful to have a 'why' while you are out there...especially in the lows. You can focus in on that 'why' to help you pull through, help you get back on your feet and finish the race. What I did not expect was hearing the depth behind Raven's 'why', and I was amazed by her journey. Raven, thank you for opening up and sharing your story with me. Thank you for your vulnerability, which shows the world your undeniable strength. You are beautiful inside and out, and I feel completely honored to know a piece of your heart. Thank you.

If you want to follow or reach out to Raven, here are some ways...

Raven's Instagram: @ravenrunswild

Raven's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/56373121

Thank you so much for listening! Please share with your family and friends. Follow Facing Vert on Instagram: @facingvert

Miriam Salloum is the owner of The Runner's Mechanic-a unique running analysis and physical therapy clinic in Asheville, NC. I was looking forward to sitting down with her as our paths have crossed so many times, but we have never had a chance to have a true conversation. I wanted to get to know the person that she is, how she found her love for running, and what inspired her to choose physical therapy as her career path-specifically runners being her main focus. I knew Miriam was smart, but man, she is REALLY smart. Her passion and knowledge are so evident as she speaks, and I was fascinated. We were also able to get into her experience with ultra running, running injuries, how she works with her clients, her time working with Olympic athletes and so much more. The more we talked, the more she exuded gratitude. Gratitude for what she gets to do everyday as she helps other athletes, but also her gratitude for the ability to run. As you will hear, there were times when she thought she would never be able to run again. Now, everyday, every run, and every race she is simply grateful. I wish we could all have that perspective. Thank you, Miriam.

The Runner's Mechanic website: https://www.therunnersmechanic.com

The Runner's Mechanic Instagram: @runnersmechanic_PT

The Runner's Mechanic YouTube

Facing Vert's Instagram: @facingvert

Thank you so much for listening!

It's finally out! Brandon Thrower and Carrie Baris (co-race directors) sat down with me to go through all of the details of the new course for the Hellbender 100 coming up on May 9-10, 2025. After Hurricane Helene, so many of our beautiful trails were destroyed by falling trees and landslides. Through the hard work of so many, trails have been opening up, but it is going be quite a while before we can access Mt. Mitchell and many parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. BUT, thankfully Hellbender can still happen, and Brandon and Carrie have worked so hard and giving everyone the best course possible for not only the runners, but their crew. Listen as they describe the course in detail, required gear, aid stations, crew and pacer information, and more. Thank you to all involved in bringing this race to fruition . It is going to be an epic weekend for all!

Hellbender 100: https://www.hellbender100.com

NC Mountain Trail Runners: https://ncmtr.org

Camp Grier: https://www.campgrier.org

G5 Trail Collective: https://www.g5trailcollective.org

Tanawha Adventures: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com

Hellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/

Hellbender 100 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellbender100miler/

Tanawha Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

Facing Vert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facingvert/

Thank you for listening!