The DirtDiva is here! We catch up with Catra in this episode and talk about her experience attempting the Monster 300 for the first time this year. We also touch on maintaining fitness as we age and how positivity can be the ultimate secret weapon to success in races and in life.

IG - @dirtdiva333

This episode is from the vault, originally recorded in 2022!

Ricky Haro was born and raised in Montana. He hated running as a kid, it wasn’t until his Sophomore year that the cross-country coach worked with him to complete his first mile and tried to convince him to be part of the track team. Ricky moved to Arizona in 1994 and joined the cross-country team. Coach Mark Hudson, who is still a great friend and mentor showed Ricky so much about outdoor recreation. Ricky qualified for Nationals but suffered a quad injury and was on crutches for months. Eventually he dropped out of college and joined the military. Ricky became a SERE specialist in the Air Force (Survival Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialist). The Air Force’s experts in all things related to someone being separated from support and in need of rescue, they train all aircrew personnel on how to handle themselves if they are caught up in hostile territory. This is where Ricky learned about endurance, grit and the will to survive. From 2005-2011 Ricky did not run a single day due to IT band syndrome and core imbalances. In 2012 Ricky decided to dedicate an entire year to running and see what happened. Ricky continued running and completed the Rome marathon; Magredi Mountain Trail 100; Blue Ridge Marathon; Marathon Des Sables; placed 5th in the Mogollon 100 just to name a few. In 2016 Ricky did the Badwater 146 solo while pushing a baby jogger of supplies. Currently Ricky gets high praises for being an amazing crew leader; serves on the Board of Band of Runners; Race Director for Kaniksu Ultras and overseas many adventures with his company, Rare Earth Adventures.

Have you ever heard so many good things about someone then meet them and they lived up to all those wonderful words? Yep, that is Ricky. This guy is a running, crewing bad ass in the ultra-world. We caught up with Ricky on a break from his Across the Years multi-day running event. Ricky shared some amazing crewing stories and how to excel at crewing. I personally used all his advice the following weekend and everything went great. We also talked about his Badwater 146 experiences. Ricky is a race director and owns an adventure company. We could have listened to his adventure stories for hours. Ricky also shares with us personal stories about his childhood and one of the most significant people in his life, his Grandfather. There is something for everyone in this podcast so sit back and enjoy.

IG - rareearthrunner

www.rareearthadventures.com

We had the honor of hosting a true legend on the podcast. It has been several months since Camille has done a podcast, we are ecstatic to have her join us to celebrate her achievements and discuss her experience navigating this new chapter in her life. We dive into Camille’s recent Autism/ADHD diagnosis and explore the ways it has impacted her life. Our conversation also touches on the topics of communication and confidence in the sport for women. There is so much more to unpack in this episode. We could have talked for hours!

IG - @runcamille

https://www.camilleherron.com/

We are excited to have Brittany Peterson back on the podcast, two years after undergoing surgery on both hips. Despite the challenges she faced, Brittany has maintained a positive attitude and a strong sense of gratitude. She has been working hard to get back to racing and feeling her best. In our conversation, we explore how she has learned to embrace her current state and the valuable lessons she has gained throughout her journey. We also talk about some of her recent races and other projects she is involved in. We always love catching up with Brittany and are grateful for her openness in sharing her story.IG - @runhappyb

warriortrail.org

peakrunningperformance.com/coach-brittany

Evan is an ultra-runner, coach, partner, father, mental health advocate, motivational speaker and former emergency services professional. Through ultra running and therapy he has found a way to deal with his struggles with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Evan is not only wise beyond his years, but he also has a deep understanding of mental health and how to cope with it. He bravely shares his own struggles and uses his knowledge and experience to help others. He also uses trail running to heal and inspire others to find their own path through the darkness. Evan has taken on some epic trail races such as The Divide 200 and along with his beloved dog Nova, the Orcas Island 100. Through his advocacy for mental health and determination on the trails, Evan encourages others to believe in their own strength and potential. To learn more about Evan and his impactful mission, check out the resources provided below.

IG- @ultrabirch

Podcast IG - @enduringmindspodcast

www.ultrabirch.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MitVODxrxY

New documentary coming soon - SuperNova - The 100 Mile Dog

The one and only YellowRunner is here! This amazing conversation was back in 2021 and it is insane to think of all Sally had already accomplished then and all that she has accomplished SINCE then (hello, have you read her book?!). Let's revisit this amazing conversation!

IG - @yellowrunner

www.sallymcrae.com

This is a story of resilience and determination. After a routine surgery went wrong, Elizabeth was unable to continue her passion for running and movement. Despite the challenges, she fought hard for months and eventually regained her physical and mental strength. With the support of her family, friends, and running community, she was able to complete another ultra marathon within a year and is now setting her sights on even bigger challenges. Elizabeth's story serves as an inspiration to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Carolyne is an award-winning writer and former editor in chief of Adventure Cyclist and Dirt Rag Magazine. She has worked with over 500 writers to help them turn ideas into compelling, publishable work. She shares insights on the intersection of writing, creativity and movement. Particularly how outside movement can help unlock creativity, improve focus and create better stories.

Whether it’s a hike through the mountains or a trip to a foreign country, adventures can be unforgettable experiences. However, putting these experiences into words can be a daunting task. Carolyne’s advice to let go of perfectionism and be more spontaneous in our writing can help us capture the true essence of our adventures and create pieces that embrace the soul of the journey. After listening to this podcast, you may feel inspired to jot down your own adventures, let your words bring them to life and share them with the world.

https://carolynewhelan.com/

Carolyne was also gracious enough to share some links for our listeners:

Free Post-Trip Checklist for writers of all levels (JUST for RDR listeners!)

1-1 Coaching for writing, editing, and publishing

Retreat sign-up page (don't be intimidated by the application, it's just to assure we give everyone the lodging, support, and education they desire)

And if you just talk through an idea with Carolyne, schedule a FREE strategy call here.