Ten Junk Miles

The gang are finally back after a long absence (sorry).   We talk to Bear 100 finisher, Flatlander and Volunteer of the Month amanda Tichacek about finding love on the Runner's World message boards, crushing the Bear and hopes and dreams in the ultra racing world.   We check in with Matt Menacher about the Original Six Hundo Challenge, Grand Slam of Ultra Running, his Bear 100 victory lap and what's next for him. Aaron talks about a disappointing Chicago Marathon.  Scotty talks about a strange Chicago marathon he ran with Patrick Sweeney and Barefoot Alex Ramsey. We play a guess the bird song game.  We try out some new equipment and a new sound guy.   Scotty reviews the Roo Sport Fitness Pouch, Kat's Kudos, Kummer Korner and much much more  

Alec bath stops by to chat with the gang about his experiences at the Leadville Trail 100, Potawatomi Trail 100 and a year of racing tough 100's.   The gang check in with Aaron German via Skype who is training for the Chicago Marathon in Boudler CO.   They discuss different approaches to training, speedwork, hill work, and of course, junk miles.  Whether people should over-reach for races that might be beyond their abilities, how to tackle mountain races and races at altitude.   They taste test potato chips with wierd flavors for Kat's upcoming attempt at the Superior Trail 100.   Plus, Kat's Kudos, Kummer's corner, and more.  

The gang get together with their old friend Melissa Pizarro to discuss what she's been up to - having a baby!  They discuss what it's like to come back after a pregnancy/birth, the struggles with training and injury, and Melissa's plan to run the Potawatomi 200 Mile race in april. they also check in with speedster Whitney Richtman who had a baby last year. Whitney has finished the Boston Marathon several times and has one of the faster recorded 100 mile finishes by a woman at the Long Haul 100 in 2014.     Plus Kat's Kudos, Kummer's Corner, and much much more.

Join the gang for a discussion with Coach Meghan Kennihan.  We discuss her history, racing, winning and coaching.  She even gives tips to the gang!  check out her website at: http://www.trainwithmeghan.com/ https://www.pinterest.com/megs1768/workout-memes-by-trainwithmeghan/   We also discuss:   Angeles Crest 100 Re-Taste of Chicago: https://vimeo.com/channels/580566 Cory's move to Boulder Kat's Kudos Sherpa John Bryon Powell and www.irunfar.com Aaron's mom Chris German on the PCT 2Toms Victory Sportbags  

After pranking Cory by not talking at all about his Colorado 200 experience, we chat for a couple miles about what it was like.

Matthew Mennacher joins the gang to talk about his attempt at the: Original Six Hundo Challenge (f/k/a “The Last Great Race”).   Matt has completed: the Gnarly Bandit; HURT 100; the Midwest Grand Slam.   Matt and Scott talk about their fear going into the Angeles Crest 100. Jimmy Dean Fereeman joins the show to tell Matt and Scotty what they need to know about Angeles Crest. We also talk about Treadmills, the Chicago Lakefront Path, Kilometers and play a joke on one of us (Cory).

Tony Cesario.  The gang (well, most of the gang....Aaron German is training in Boulder so he participated half-assed participated via Skype) chats with Tony Cesario, a legend of midwest ultra running.  Tony has done everything, and has been doing it since the 80's.  Tony also recently completed the Kettle Morraine 100 after having a stroke only three weeks prior.  We also discuss: The Kettle Morraine 100 Generally The upcoming Cry Me A River 100 The Black Hills 100 Cory Feign's Training for the Colorado 200   Book club discusses "Run Gently Out There" by John Morelock (an interview with Mr. Morelock will be in an upcoming episode). We take listener Questions, Kat's Kudos, and more!  

Susan Smock is a badass homeschooling stay at home ultra-mom who is trying to recover from an ultra-running-related concussion.  Once left for dead on the trail by her  loving husband Brian (who has gone from 5K to 100k in a year).  Susan loves trails and stairs.  She hates people that under-dress at water parks.  This year she ran her first 100 mile race. Joining us from the field is the high priestess of 200 milers, Candice Burt.  We talk about race directing, twitter wars, how to train for 200 milers, and what do when people tell you you can't do something.  Check out her blog Wild Defined for some frequenct and inspring adventure stories.  Candice is on Altra's Elite team, and is an Ultimate Direction ambassador.  Race info at: Destination Trail and Bellingham Trail Running Series.  (Rumor has it the TJM crew are eyeing the Bigfoot 120) Ten Junk Miles Book Club On the next episode, we'll compare notes about Run Gently Out There by John Morelock.  Read along with us!  You can also check out his blog at r

Finally a pro radio voice on the show!  Jen DeSalvo joins us to syruply talk about her recent first 100-miler, her work coaching for Team In Training IL, what makes a good pacer (hint: Cory), and the usual wide range of Ten Junk Miles topics.  Sponsored by Clamato. Jen cheerleading for runners at the Chicago Marathon:

Over the last couple weeks, Scott ran the Ice Age Trail 50-miler, Kat swept the course, Cory crewed and cheered, while Aaron ran around the city with no shirt on.Amanda Runnion joined us in studio to talk about her running and cross training (pole dancing (for fitness)), and she shares helpful nutrition tips like how make the perfect salad (hint: less veggies, more gatorade), and what the right chicken to cheese ratio is for a chicken sandwich.  Here she is at mile 85 of the Potawatomi 100: Shawn Brandon and Jenna Bahaj also joined us on the phone to talk about their new race, the Cry Me a River! 50-miler (plus half marathon and 5-miler) in central Illinois on Saturday, July 11 (registration and fb links).  Consider running it!  They also share some stories about their recent 53R trip to the Grand Canyon. ps-some of these miles are uphill milesEnjoy the show!  Review us on iTunes!    

Shelley Cook joins us to talk about her running exeriences and running relationships.  Wonder why her boyfriend Alec couldn't make it at the last minute? Eric Sherman, host of DFL Ultraunning, talks podcasts and says funny stuff (that's Dead F...... Last). Chuck Schultz talks to us just minutes after finishing the Potawatomi 200 miler, in our first interview live in the field.   Here are some cool before and after articles about Chuck's attempt to run 200 miles while balancing the demands of having a 1-week old daughter, who was at the race!  His blog is theraceblogger, though he hasn't had a chance to write about POT200 yet.

We talk to Michele Hartwig about her running history, being a race director, her innaugural Hennepin Hundred race in Illinois, her MUDD group and the other races she directs.   Patrick Sweeney shares an update on his run across America benefiting the Hundred Mile Club (and on Facebook), an organization that encourages and helps kids to be healthy by running or walking 100 miles duing the school year.   Vanessa Runs talks about her new book Daughters of Distance and her legendary trail running book The Summit Seeker.

We sort of figure out what we're doing, and talk about the premise of the show, the hosts' backgrounds, inspiring running moments, 2015 plans, and do an interview with Racine Lambert-Cwerenz.