Today’s "Weathering The Run" episode features ultra-runner and race director John Lacroix, founder of the Human Potential Running Series, including a HPRS podcast that accompanies the races he puts on. He is well known in the trail running community, perhaps for his nickname he used to have (Sherpa John) or for founding the first 200 mile trail race in New England. We explore his unforgettable experiences running through snowstorms, nor’easters, tornado warnings, and scorching heat. John also frankly addresses past criticisms, the crossroads facing trail running—and urges us all to step up for public land stewardship and volunteerism.

Conversation Highlights:

-Weather extremes on the trail: snow, wind, heat, and more.

-Reflecting on previous controversies with transparency and growth.

-Trail running’s survival hinges on more volunteer support and advocacy:.

Final Call to Action from John:

“If you have time to train, you have time to volunteer… reach out to your race director—there’s always something to do, from cleaning gear to race-day support…"

Resources & Ways to Get Involved:

• Runners for Public Lands — empowering runners to protect public lands

• Outdoor Alliance — a coalition uniting recreation advocates to conserve America’s public lands

• Access Fund — national advocates for sustainable climbing and trail access

• Colorado Fourteeners Initiative — stewarding Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through volunteer trail work

• Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) — invests lottery proceeds into conservation and recreation projects across the state

This week on Weathering The Run, I chat with Darrell Crain recommended by a past guest, Chikage Windler(Episode 11). Darrell and his son turned to running when his son was in college. Now they're a dynamic duo pursuing ultras to score Western States lottery tickets.

Their most recent challenge? The Burning River 100, where relentless rain destroyed their feet with blisters, yet the pair persevered through an unforgettable run. Darrell even joked, “I don’t even know how to spell DNF,” highlighting his determination and playful spirit.

This week on Weathering The Run, we welcome Bob Becker—ultrarunner, race director, and all-around inspiration. Bob recently made history as the oldest official finisher of the Badwater 135, crossing the world's toughest ultramarathon at age 80, earning him a new age category and a place in Badwater lore.

Beyond his Badwater feat, Bob wears many hats:

-Race Director of iconic ultramarathons:

• The Keys 100 — a 100-mile point-to-point from Key Largo to Key West

• The Daytona 100 — a coastal 100-mile race along Florida’s ocean roads

-Holder of age-group and race records, such as 167.5 miles in a 48-hour fixed-time event

In our conversation, Bob shares:

-What it takes to finish Badwater at 80—including training strategies, mental grit, and his steadfast crew.

-His insights on organizing and directing challenging ultramarathons.

-Wisdom on what age—and experience—bring to running—and never letting go of the goal.

This is a great conversation with Hannah McCorkle. She helps lead Columbus’s Marathoner-in-Training (MIT) program at Fleet Feet, a program guiding over 700 runners toward half and full marathon goals. Hannah lives her life with the mantra of "Change Your Life, One Mile at a Time." She is also diving deeper with personal coaching for female athletes. She is helping them reach their full potential using philosophies that power her approach: building community, resilience, and smart consistency.

📲 Connect with Hannah:

• Instagram: @runnerwithmoxie

• Learn more about MIT (Marathoner‑in‑Training): Marathoner-in-Training Program

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we chat with Sarah Biehl, a powerhouse trail and ultra runner originally from Ohio, but now residing in Colorado. After a stellar college running career, Sarah has made waves in ultras: capturing titles like the 2024 Gorge Waterfalls 50K champion and 6th female at The Canyons by UTMB. Her journey, from sprinting in high school to earning her stripes in the JFK 50 and beyond, is defined by resilience, smart racing, and gritty consistency.

📲 Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @biehlharas

• Strava: Sarah Biehl

In this episode of Weathering The Run, I sit down with rising Ohio ultra star Alec Cline, a runner who’s been on an absolute tear this year, including a podium finish (3rd place) at the notoriously brutal Georgia Death Race. I first crossed paths with Alec at the Ohio Backyard Ultra, but our interview got delayed… and in hindsight, I’m glad it did because nearly every race since then, Alec has won.

We dive into Alec’s training mindset, his rapid climb in the ultra scene, and his upcoming race calendar, including:

• 🏃‍♂️ Burning River 100 – July 26, 2025

• 🏞️ Bob's Big Timber Backyard Ultra – Aug 2, 2025

• ⛰️ Tuscazoar Endurance Race (100 miler) – Aug 30, 2025

• ⏱️ NEO24 (24-hour race, Oct 4, 2025) – Goal: 140+ miles

Alec shares three keys to his training success:

1. Make Wednesdays Hard – Midweek 20-milers to boost volume early

2. Insert Fun – “We get to do this”—find joy in the process

3. Consistency – Show up, even when you don’t feel like it

His grit and gratitude are contagious, and this conversation is a must-listen for anyone chasing big goals or needing a push through the daily grind.

🔗 Follow Alec’s journey:

Instagram: @alec_k_cline

Strava: Alec on Strava

🎧 Who You’ll Hear:

Larry O’Neill — Associate Professor and Oregon State Climatologist specializing in air–sea interactions and Pacific Northwest weather, offers an expert forecast for this year’s race.

Ashlyn Culbertson — A high school running coach, drawn #75 on the Western States Endurance Run waitlist, currently with just 19 runners ahead of her, shares her experience and hopes for joining the starting line.

Some topics:

-Insights on temperature, high country storms, and fire risk heading into the race.

-Historical drought, heatwaves, and how climate patterns are shifting.

-Social dynamics and emotions around being near the front of the waitlist.

-Running strategies for tough weather conditions and preparing mentally when you’re on the cusp.

-What the weather is likely to be during this year’s Western States.

-The lived experience of waitlisted runners and the emotional rollercoaster as race day nears.

Follow the guests:

Larry O’Neill on X (formerly Twitter): @laoneill25

Ash Culbertson on Strava): ⁠Ash's Strava

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we sit down with Paul Johnson—a former Naval officer turned ultrarunner who’s not only run across the United States but also set a world record by completing 100 miles in Antarctica in under 24 hours.

Paul shares how running became his outlet for managing anxiety and depression after his military service. We discuss his 2024 transcontinental run, where he covered over 3,000 miles in just over 51 days, raising more than $500,000 for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit supporting veterans' mental and physical health.

Now based in California, Paul is embracing new challenges, including mountain running, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness.

Connect with Paul:

• Website: pauljohnson.run

• Instagram: @pauijohnson

• YouTube: Paul Johnson

Learn more about Team Red, White & Blue: teamrwb.org

Watch Paul's Antarctica 100-Mile World Record Run: YouTube Video

Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and how he's using endurance sports to make a difference.