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From a major life reset to 200-mile races and chasing Badwater 135, Vin Kennedy is always looking for the next challenge. In this episode of Tribe of Runners, I sit down with Vin Kennedy to talk about his journey from college baseball, lifting, and physique goals to marathon running and ultrarunning. We get into the life changes that led him here, including sobriety and a period of going into “monk mode,” and how he eventually found something in ultrarunning that really clicked. Vin shares the story of his first 200-mile race, including the stomach issues, sleep decisions, and injury that made an already brutal experience even harder. We also talk about the $1 Ultra in New York City, a last-man-standing style race that tested his ability to adapt when things didn't go as planned. But this conversation goes beyond the races themselves. We talk about ambitious goals, believing in yourself before you have all the proof, using competition as motivation, and figuring out what you actually want instead of chasing whatever fitness trend happens to be popular. Vin also opens up about how running has influenced the people around him and why pursuing something difficult can have an impact that extends far beyond your own finish line. Whether you're an ultrarunner, dreaming about your first ultra, or simply someone who likes chasing big goals, this episode is a reminder that there's no single path into endurance sports and sometimes the distance that challenges you most is the one that makes you feel most at home. Tune in to hear Vin's story, the lessons he's learned the hard way, and why Badwater is the next big goal on his radar. Find Vin Kennedy on IG: @vkennedy18 Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  https://linktr.ee/itslizmyers Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE https://www.theeverydayultra.com/

The training camp did NOT go according to plan. What was supposed to be a three-day course recon for No Business 100 quickly turned into lost headlamps, poison ivy, a stolen water and Coca-cola stash, motion sickness, river crossings, overgrown trails, and a whole lot more driving than either of us wanted. In this episode of Tribe of Runners, Christie Brinker and I recap the chaos of their training camp and, more importantly, what we actually learned from it. There were plenty of moments where things didn't go according to plan and where we had to reroute, make decisions on the fly, change plans, and figure out when pushing forward wasn't worth the risk. But those messy moments ended up being some of the most valuable parts of the weekend. We break down what they learned about the No Business 100 course, including the punchy terrain, vertical gain, power hiking, water crossings, technical sections, and why those final 10 miles might be much harder than expected. We also talk through the training changes they're making after the camp, from hydration and sweat rate to vertical training, longer power hikes, treadmill work, step-ups, poles, and even changing shoes after seeing what the course actually looks like. It wasn't the perfect training camp. It was messy, frustrating, hilarious, and occasionally a little ridiculous. And somehow, we walked away feeling more prepared and more confident than when we started. Because sometimes the best training weekends aren't the ones where everything goes right. They're the ones that teach you what to do when everything goes wrong. Find Christie Brinker on IG: @cbrink_  Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with Vanessa Kline, a Badwater 135 finisher, race director, pacer, and endurance athlete who has built an incredible life around running. Vanessa's running story didn't start with ultramarathons. After burning out as a high school runner, she stepped away from the sport for nearly a decade. Eventually, one marathon changed everything and reignited the competitive side of her that she thought was gone. That comeback eventually led her to the world of ultrarunning and all the way to Badwater 135, where she finished as a top-10 female. But getting through 135 miles in Death Valley is about much more than running. Vanessa and I talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of Badwater 135: crew logistics, pacing, heat management, fueling, sodium, nausea, sleep, and the mental decisions that keep you moving when your body is begging you to stop. We also get into the other side of Vanessa's running life. Through Beast Pacing and Beast Coast Production, she has built a community of pacers and helps put on races ranging from 5Ks to 100-milers and 48-hour events. In this episode, we talk about: Vanessa's journey from burned-out high school runner to ultrarunnerThe marathon that brought her back to competitive runningMaking the jump from marathons to ultras and eventually 100 milesWhat makes Badwater 135 so uniquely difficultWhy Badwater is as much a crew and logistics puzzle as it is a running raceHeat, hydration, sodium, nausea, and fueling in extreme conditionsThe mental strategies Vanessa used when things got difficultHow pacing became much more than simply running alongside another athleteBuilding a business and community around pacingWhat it takes to organize and direct racesBalancing running, parenting, business, and all the other things life throws at youWhy every ultra can become a mental toolkit for whatever hard thing comes next Vanessa's story is a great reminder that you don't have to have your entire running future figured out. Sometimes you step away.
Sometimes you start over.
Sometimes you discover that you're capable of much more than you thought. And sometimes the hardest race you've ever done just becomes preparation for the next thing. Find Vanessa Kline on IG: @vanessajkline Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

Training for a is about more than just building mileage! Sometimes you need a few really hard days to figure out whether your plan is actually going to work. In this episode of Tribe of Runners, Liz Myers and Christie Brinker dive into the importance of training camps for 100- and 200-mile races. With our race (No Business 100) coming up we talk about our training camp to get some course recon coming up, we talk through our own three-day training block, why back-to-back long days matter, and what we're looking to learn from being out on the course. We discuss using a training camp to dial in your race effort, test fueling and hydration, practice power hiking, using poles, and seeing how your body responds when the miles and fatigue start to stack up. We also get into the gear and logistics that are easy to overlook. Remembering to test out shoes, poles, packs, bottles, clothing, chafing, and all those little problems that you really don't want to discover on race day. And while training camps are meant to challenge you, Liz and Christie explain why the recovery before and afterward is just as important. Not to mention how the information you get from a training camp can help you course-correct your training before your taper. If you’re training for a big race, considering a training camp, or wondering how to make those big training weekends actually useful, this episode is for you. Because a training camp isn't just about seeing how much you can do. It’s about figuring out what you need to fix before your big race day comes. Find Christie Brinker on IG: @cbrink_  Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

What if confidence isn't about getting rid of doubt but learning how to run with it? In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Haley Perlus, a sport and performance psychology coach with more than 20 years of experience working with athletes in high-pressure environments. We dive into the mental side of endurance sports that runners don't always talk about: doubt, fear, pressure, confidence, mistakes, injury, and the stories we tell ourselves when things get hard. Because the reality is, even experienced runners have moments where they question themselves. Maybe you have a bad training day and start wondering if you're ready. Maybe you're coming back from an injury and don't trust your body yet. Or maybe you're halfway through a race and suddenly every negative thought you've ever had shows up at once. Haley explains why the goal isn't to eliminate those thoughts but to learn how to tolerate doubt, work with fear, and stay grounded when pressure starts to build. In this conversation, we talk about: Why confidence and doubt can exist at the same timeHow to ask, “What does this moment need from me right now?”Why trying to be fearless can actually work against youThe difference between striving for excellence and demanding perfectionHow to build confidence from evidence instead of simply telling yourself to “believe”Why your training history can become one of your greatest sources of confidenceHow to handle mistakes without getting stuck analyzing what just happenedReturning to running after injury and knowing when you're actually readyWhy outside guidance can be so valuable when your emotions are telling you to push too soonAnd one of the biggest reminders of all: you are not your thoughts, and you don't have to believe everything you think This conversation is for anyone who has ever stood at a starting line wondering, “Am I ready?” Or found themselves in the middle of a race wondering if they can keep going. You don't need to eliminate fear. You don't need to eliminate doubt. You need to learn how to keep moving forward while they're there. Thank you so much Haley for being on the podcast!! Find Haley Perlus on IG: @drhaleyperlus Check out Haley’s Website: HERE Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

In this episode of Coaches Corner, Christie Brinker and I officially dive into our training and preparation for the No Business 100 and this isn't your typical training partnership. We're both coaches. We're both currently self-coaching. And we're both approaching this race from our own perspectives, building our own training plans while constantly comparing notes, talking through what we're doing, and trying to figure out what will actually get us to the finish line. We've also made the decision to run No Business together without pacers or a crew. But before race day, we had to have a very real conversation: What happens if one of us can't keep up? We agreed before ever stepping onto the course that if something happens to one of us, we won't hold the other person back. If one of us needs to stop, drop, change the plan, or is simply having a completely different race, the other person is free to continue. Because 100 miles is a long way and we wanted all of those cards on the table before things get emotional, exhausting, and very uncomfortable at 3 a.m. In this episode, we talk about: Why we chose No Business 100How two coaches approach self-coaching their own 100-mile trainingThe differences between our training philosophies and what we're each prioritizingHow we're using treadmill training, vert, strength, stability, and recoveryChristie's reset following Kettle Moraine 100Liz's ongoing comeback and rebuilding after injuryWhy we're choosing to race without pacers or a crewOur agreement about what happens if one of us struggles during the raceThe logistics of relying on drop bags instead of a crewHeat, hydration, sodium, and technical terrainThe mental challenges of coaching yourself while also trying to be an athleteThis is going to be an ongoing series as we work our way toward No Business, so you're getting a behind-the-scenes look at two coaches actually applying what they teach. Including the adjustments, doubts, successes, mistakes, and everything we learn along the way. We don't have all the answers. We're figuring it out just like everyone else. And we're bringing you along for the ride.

What if consciousness isn't just something happening inside our brains? Liz Myers is back with Kilian Korth and Christie Brinker for another Philosophy Hour—and this conversation goes DEEP. 😂 After our last discussion about free will, we started asking even bigger questions: What is consciousness? Where does it come from? Are we actually separate from the world around us? And what if consciousness is something much bigger than we currently understand? We talk about everything from free will and gratitude to meditation, flow state, panpsychism, universal consciousness, quantum mechanics, and even whether trees are communicating with each other. Christie shares a deeply personal experience that shaped the way she thinks about universal consciousness. Liz connects the conversation back to running, meditation, and those moments when your mind finally becomes quiet. Kilian brings the science and philosophy into the conversation and challenges us to think about what we actually mean when we talk about consciousness. We get into: How thinking about free will has changed the way we approach everyday lifeWhy letting go of control can lead to more gratitude and empathyPanpsychism and the idea that consciousness could be a fundamental part of realityThe difference between information complexity and universal consciousnessWhy running and meditation can create those powerful flow statesQuantum mechanics and the famous double-slit experimentWhether trees and plants are capable of communicating and sharing informationThe ocean-wave analogy for understanding universal consciousnessWhat all of this could mean for runners, athletes, and anyone trying to understand their own mindAnd, as usual, we don't exactly come to a neat conclusion. Instead, we leave with more questions than answers. And honestly... that's kind of the point. If you've ever finished a run and wondered why your mind suddenly feels completely different, gotten lost in meditation, or stared at a tree and thought, "Okay, but what exactly IS consciousness?"—you're going to enjoy this one.

In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner, Ironman finisher, and trail adventurer Kim Reamer to talk about longevity, resilience, and why consistency will always beat chasing quick results. Kim's running journey hasn't been about podium finishes or blazing speed. It's been about showing up, year after year, embracing the process, and learning from every mile along the way. From close encounters with rattlesnakes and mountain lions to racing through the Nevada desert and tackling a 100-mile ultra, Kim has built a lifetime of unforgettable experiences on the trail. In this episode, we talk about: How Kim went from quitting track in junior high to becoming an ultrarunnerLessons learned from 30 years of trail runningWhy patience is one of the greatest strengths an ultrarunner can haveSmart pacing and avoiding the trap of racing with your egoStaying healthy and running strong as you get olderBuilding longevity through mobility, strength, and consistencyWild stories from the trails...including rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and desert adventuresAdvice for runners dreaming of their first ultra, 100-miler, or beyondThis conversation is a reminder that success in ultra running isn't about being the fastest person on the trail. It's about continuing to show up, embracing the adventure, and trusting that the small things you do every day will eventually lead to extraordinary results. Whether you're just getting started or have years in the sport, I know you'll find inspiration in Kim's story. Find Kim Reamer on IG: @kimscarlettreamer Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  https://linktr.ee/itslizmyers Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE https://www.theeverydayultra.com/

What if the secret to becoming a better runner and a better person is simply saying "yes" to hard things? In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner and coach Deb Hamberlin to talk about a lifetime of chasing challenges, embracing discomfort, and discovering what's possible on the other side of fear. From growing up as a swimmer to completing some of the toughest 200-mile races around, Deb shares the lessons she's learned through decades of endurance sports. We talk about the highs, the lows, and why the small decisions we make every day often matter more than the big ones. In this episode, we discuss: Deb's journey into ultrarunningRacing everything from marathons to 200-milersWhy saying "yes" to hard things has shaped her lifeBalancing running, coaching, family, and everyday lifeStaying competitive and motivated as we get olderNavigating injury, recovery, and hormonal changesThe incredible community that makes ultrarunning so specialWhy having fun should never disappear from your trainingWhether you're training for your first ultra or your fiftieth, Deb's perspective is a reminder that growth doesn't happen by accident, it happens when we're willing to step outside our comfort zones. This conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and plenty of inspiration to help you tackle your next big goal. Find Deb Hamberlin on IG: @debrunsfar Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

What would make someone willingly run a 50K on a treadmill... with 10,000 feet of climbing? In this solo episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of one of the hardest training days I've ever done in some time!! This wasn't just about proving I could do something difficult. It was a strategic overload session as I build toward my the Dreadmill Challenge 100-mile race, and I wanted to see what it would really be to run a lot of vert on the treadmill. I break down the entire run, including: Why I decided to take on a 50K with 10,000 feet of vert on a treadmillHow I paced the effort over 7½ hoursNutrition, hydration, and fueling strategiesWhat I learned about mental toughness and embracing boredomThe biggest challenges I faced, including a tight hamstringHow sessions like this can prepare you for long ultras without spending all day in the mountainsThis episode isn't really about the treadmill. It's about choosing to do hard things on purpose, trusting the process, and finding confidence in the work long before race day arrives. Whether you're training for your first ultra or your tenth, I hope this conversation inspires you to think differently about your training and about what you're capable of. Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE  Check out Everyday Ultra Website for races and coaching HERE

Heat can be one of the biggest performance killers in endurance sports and most runners don't give it enough respect until it’s too late. In this solo episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I dive into everything you need to know about training and racing in the heat. Whether you're preparing for a summer race, training through hot and humid conditions, or simply trying to survive your long runs this time of year, this episode will help you train smarter and stay safer. I talk about: Why heat impacts performance more than most runners realizeThe difference between heat adaptation and heat exhaustionActive vs. passive heat training protocolsHow to safely incorporate heat training into your programCooling strategies for both humid and dry environmentsIce bandanas, arm sleeves, core cooling, and race-day heat managementRecognizing the signs of dehydration and heat stressWhy effort (not pace) should guide your training in the heatThe goal isn't to suffer through every run. The goal is to adapt, stay healthy, and give yourself the best chance to perform when race day arrives. If you're training through the summer or preparing for a race in hot conditions, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using immediately. Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE

In this solo episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what training has really looked like lately. From VO2 max workouts and threshold sessions to vert challenges, strength training, and the races for the year, this season has been anything but easy. I'm sharing the highs, the lows, the setbacks, and the lessons I'm learning as I prepare for some big goals later this year. We dive into: My current training block and why I'm focusing on speed right nowBalancing heavy strength training with high running volumeTraining through sickness, fatigue, and life's chaosMy goal of climbing over 350,000 feet of vert this yearThe upcoming 50K treadmill challengeA 50-mile adventure with friends in St. AugustineBuilding toward No Business 100 this fallDoing the crazy Dreadmill challengeWhy consistency matters more than perfectionThis episode is a reminder that progress isn't always pretty. Sometimes training is messy, life gets in the way, and things don't go according to plan. But that's often where the biggest growth happens. Whether you're training for your first ultra, chasing a PR, or simply trying to stay consistent, I hope this episode encourages you to keep showing up and trust the process. Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link  https://linktr.ee/itslizmyers

In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with Jim Witcombe and Cory Kitchens to talk about their experience at Sedona 125. From Jim being a veteran at this race to this being Cory's first 100+ Miler. We talk about the real side of ultra running.... the pain, the mental battles, the unexpected lows, and what actually keeps people moving forward when things get hard. From hallucinations and destroyed feet, to caffeine strategies and sleep deprivation, this conversation dives deep into what it looks like to tackle 125 miles on trail. Cory shares the experience of taking on his first 125-mile race and the lessons he learned through doubt, injury, and pushing far beyond what he thought he was capable of. Jim brings the perspective of multiple finishes at this particular race (and many other ultras) and proves that age doesn’t define what’s possible in ultra running. We get into: Managing blisters, fatigue, and mental breakdowns during long racesHow caffeine and sleep strategy can completely change a raceThe role of community and shared suffering in ultrasWhy mindset matters more than perfectionThe small moments and humor that help runners survive dark milesThis episode is about more than running. It’s about resilience, problem solving, and learning how to keep going when everything in you wants to stop. Whether you’re training for your first ultra or have years in the sport, this conversation is packed with honest stories, hard-earned lessons, and reminders that the toughest miles often become the most meaningful ones.

In this episode of the Tribe of Runners Podcast, I sit down with Randi Zuckerberg to talk about her experience at Cocodona 250, where she ran an incredible race, pushed through some of the hardest moments out there, and came away with a massive PR and an entirely new perspective on what she’s capable of. We also dive into making yourself the main character in your story! This conversation goes far beyond race results. Randi opens up about the reality of moving through 250 miles. From navigating long stretches alone, managing sleep deprivation, adapting when things didn’t go to plan, and learning how resilience is built in the middle of discomfort. We also dive into: The mental side of tackling huge endurance goalsSleep strategy and problem-solving during CocodonaStrength training and durability for long racesHandling the unpredictable nature of 200+ mile eventsWhy community plays such a huge role in ultra runningThe power of doing things that scare youRandi’s journey from the tech world into ultra endurance is a reminder that growth happens when you step into the unknown and trust yourself through it. Whether you’re training for your first ultra or chasing a massive goal of your own, this episode will leave you inspired to think bigger about what you’re capable of. Find Randi Zuckerberg on IG: @randizuckerberg Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE

Most runners don’t fail on race day because of fitness… they fail because of poor execution. And more often than not, it comes down to one thing:crewing and pacing. In this solo episode, I break down the real role of crew and pacers. Diving into the difference between barely surviving a race and actually executing it. From choosing the right crew chief to understanding when to push or hold back, this episode dives into the details most runners overlook: The difference between crewing vs pacing (and why it matters)How to organize your crew so race day isn’t chaosWhat your crew should actually be doing at aid stationsHow pacers can keep you moving (without ruining your race)The subtle signals runners give when things are going wrongWhy emotional control from your crew can make or break your race This episode is for: Runners preparing for their first (or next) ultraCrew members who want to actually be helpfulPacers who want to show up the right wayBecause here’s the truth:No one finishes an ultra alone! Even if they cross the line by themselves. If you want a race-day plan that actually works, this is a must-listen. Find my Personal IG: @itslizmyers Podcast IG: @tribeofrunners For EASY ACCESS to all the Link HERE