Explore every episode of the podcast CUSS Running

From Podcast Listener to Runner - Kelly's Journey

Every runner starts somewhere, and for Kelly, it began with a podcast and a passion for research. Before taking her first stride, she immersed herself in running knowledge, proving that sometimes the best preparation happens off the trail. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding your feet in the running world, embracing the physical connection with every step, and how our CUSS community turns solitary miles into shared achievements. Whether you're a seasoned runner or still lacing up your first pair of shoes, Kelly's story reminds us that everyone's path to running is uniquely their own.

Join us for an extraordinary episode of the CUSS Running podcast as we sit down with Lisamarie Fosdal-Griffin, who i dubbed the "Queen of 200 Milers." This seasoned ultrarunner takes us on a journey through her remarkable experiences in the world of extreme endurance.

Lisamarie shares captivating stories from her diverse ultra-running career, from her first steps into the world of ultramarathons to conquering the daunting 200-mile distances. Listen as she recounts the challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments from races that push the limits of human endurance.

But what drives someone to run such incredible distances? Lisamarie opens up about her motivation to continuously push her boundaries, exploring the physical and mental aspects that fuel her passion for tackling longer and more demanding courses.

Whether you're an experienced ultra-runner, a curious beginner, or simply intrigued by the extremes of human performance, this episode offers invaluable insights into the world of ultra-endurance running. Prepare to be inspired by Lisamarie's indomitable spirit and her quest to go further than ever before.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with one of ultra-running's most accomplished and ambitious athletes. Tune in to discover what it takes to become royalty in the realm of extreme distance running.

On this week’s Cuss Running Podcast, we’re chatting with the unstoppable Chrissy, who just started running this past year and is already gearing up for the Chicago Marathon!

Join us as Chrissy spills the beans on why she finds so much f***ing joy in running and how it’s flipped her life upside down (in the best way possible). Her reflections are raw, real, and sure to inspire the hell out of you.

Tune in, lace up, and get ready to be motivated like never before. This episode is all about passion, grit, and the transformative power of running. Don’t miss it!

Tune in for a wild ride as we dive into the recent livestreams of epic races like Western States and Hardrock. Discover Ally's mystical ultrarunning origin story, filled with magic and adventure. Plus, we explore how to infuse whimsy into your funeral plans and tackle the unique challenges and joys of running in your 40s. It's an episode packed with fun, inspiration, and a touch of the unexpected—just like every run should be!

#CUSSPodcast #Ultrarunning #WesternStates #Hardrock #RunningInYour40s #MysticalOrigins #FuneralWhimsy

Cuss Running Podcast: Episode with Rachel Beattie

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Rachel Beattie, a masters ultra runner who just accomplished an incredible feat: running a half marathon every day for 92 days! Starting on March 31st, International Transgender Day of Visibility, and ending on June 30th, the end of Pride Month, Rachel ran to raise funds for Equality Downers Grove (EQDG).

EQDG supports the LGBTQ+ community by working with youth outlook, assisting with name changes, organizing an annual Pride Fest, and providing education. Tune in to hear Rachel's journey and the impact of her efforts!

#CussRunning #Podcast #RachelBeattie #HalfMarathon #EqualityDownersGrove #LGBTQSupport #RunningForACause

Episode with Craig Woods - The Mastermind Behind the Samosa Stumble

Welcome back to another no-nonsense episode of the Cuss Running Podcast! This time, we've got the legendary Craig Woods joining us. Craig is the genius behind the Samosa Stumble, and he's here to spill the beans on everything you've ever wanted to know about this unique race.

In this episode, we dive into:

The Origins: How the Samosa Stumble came to be and the inspiration behind it.

Evolution: How the race has changed and grown over the years, adapting to the ever-evolving running community.

Future Vision: Craig's ambitious plans for the Samosa Stumble and how he hopes to see it expand in the coming years.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and of course, a bit of cussing. Tune in, lace up, and get ready to stumble upon some real running nonsense

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow runners. And remember, it's not just about the miles, it's about the fun, the food, and the community. Let's get stumbling!

#CussRunning #Podcast #SamosaStumble #RunningCommunity #CraigWoods #RunWithUs #NoNonsenseRunning

In this episode of the CUSS Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Ila Allen, who began her running journey at 54 for health reasons and discovered a passion for trail and ultra running. Now 67, Ila has completed her first 100-miler at Across the Years and is gearing up for another 100-miler at Tunnel Hill in 2025. Tune in to hear her inspiring story, challenges, and achievements that prove it's never too late to start running and achieve greatness.

🎙️ Family Style | CUSS Running Podcast 🎙️

Join us for a raw, unfiltered episode where we dive into the heart of the running community. We’ll dish on Spring Energy, tackle some ultra running drama, and explore the deep reasons why we hit the trails. Expect plenty of laughs, a bit of cussing, and a whole lot of real talk about what keeps us coming back for more. Whether you’re here for the camaraderie or the crazy stories, this episode’s got something for everyone.

#CussRunningPodcast #UltraRunning #RunningCommunity #WhyWeRun #SpringEnergy

In this motivating episode of the CUSS Running podcast, we welcome Lily Medina, an extraordinary runner whose relationship with the sport has been a journey of ebbs and flows. Lily's story is one of resilience and triumph, as she discusses her on-again, off-again relationship with running and her incredible achievements in ultramarathon distances.

Join us as we explore Lily's journey, from her initial steps in running to conquering ultra distances that many only dream of. We delve into the challenges and victories she has faced, providing listeners with a raw and honest look at the ups and downs of a long-term commitment to running.

Lily also shares valuable insights into her training strategies, mental preparation, and how she managed to reignite her passion for running after each setback. Her story is not just about physical endurance but also about mental resilience and the transformative power of running.

Don't miss this episode if you're interested in personal growth through running, need inspiration to overcome your own challenges, or are curious about the world of ultramarathons. Tune in to hear how Lily Medina has turned her intermittent relationship with running into a series of triumphant ultra-distance conquests.

Listen to this episode to get inspired by Lily's dedication and perseverance, and maybe find the motivation you need to tackle your own running challenges!

In this inspiring episode of the CUSS Running podcast, we sit down with Kirk from Trailblazer Running, a visionary race director whose innovative ideas are redefining the trail running scene. Join us as we delve into what it means to be a truly impactful race director, the responsibilities it entails, and how to create memorable and engaging races that resonate with participants.

Kirk also introduces us to his unique concept of "trail golf," a creative blend of trail running and the strategic elements of golf, designed to offer a fresh perspective on outdoor sports. We explore how this novel idea not only adds fun and variety to trail running but also encourages runners to think differently about their interaction with nature and the trails.

Don't miss this episode if you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of race directing, looking for innovative running activities, or simply love the thrill of trail running. Tune in to hear how Kirk and his ideas are trailblazing a new path for runners and race directors alike.

Listen in to gain insights from one of the most inventive minds in the community, and perhaps find a new way to enhance your own running or race directing endeavors!

How does running impact your relationship? How can training for ultras negatively impact your relationship? Elaine and I chat about our personal experiences with this hot issue!

Just an all around awesome conversation with Nick about their journey into running and how it coincides with their coming out as non-binary.

Tune in to hear how you can help create safe spaces in the running community and beyond!

Elaine and Ally chat about using running as a coping strategy and how this can make your relationship with running unhealthy sometimes.

Tune in to hear Ory and I discuss what it means to come out as a runner and how many of us struggle with claiming that identity.

Tune in to learn about Reginald's journey from overweight smoker to ultra runner. Learn about his training and how he shows up at races mentally.

Laughter warning. Lots of laughter warning.

Elaine and I chat about UTMB, our worst race experiences, her half marathon training and our 2024 goals.

Paul is newish to the ultra running scene but already has several races under his belt. Tune in to hear his rapid journey through the ultra distances and why he loves the community.

We're back with a new format and schedule. We're going to a bi-weekly schedule including the one on one interviews you love and with Running Shit Talk episodes with myself and Elaine as requested from the audience.

We start off Season 2 with Ally & Elaine discussing their recent running adventures, a review of the Hoka Mach 5 and discussing Courtney Dauwalter's impressive summer performances.

Karmell & Lee are experienced ultrarunners who love the 100 mile distance. They are also the founders of the Women's 100 Miler Project, a grassroots project to increase the number of women at the start line of 100 miler races.

Tune in to hear their running stories, race experiences and learn all about the Women's 100 Miler Project.

Jessy started running to get through a stressful time period in her life. She started by running barefoot around her yard and quickly progressed to running ultras. Trail & ultra running became her thing and she has spent years solidifying her role in the community, even meeting her wife through ultra running.

Tune in for a charming conversation about life, ultra running and more.

Jim Lampman is a lifetime runner and has spent over 2 decades in the trail and ultra scene. Learn about his journey to running 100 100 milers and the secret to his longevity in the sport.

This week's guest on the CUSS Running podcast is Michele Hartwig. Michele is an accomplished trail and ultra runner. She is also the founder of Ornery Mule Racing, an inclusive running company known for their friendly events. Tune in to hear how Michele got into the sport, why she uses inclusive language in her advertising and what's coming up for Ornery Mule.

This week's guest is Phyllis Stanley. Phyllis grew up on a Navajo reservation where running was part of the culture. She carried her relationship with running through her life constantly using it for support. She's gone on to tackle multiple ultra races with distances up to 200 miles. 

Aisha Jordan-Johnson is a badass ultrarunner who has completed distances up to 138 miles. She radiates enthusiasm and a real joy for running. Listen in to hear how she got started and why she listened to Alligator noises in her ultra training. We also dive into the mental aspect of how we view ourselves as runners and what can happen when our views get out of line with reality. 

Mark & Beth Budden have completed multiple journey runs, but more impressively is that they have completed them together. 

Tune in to hear how it took Beth 10 years to go from running a half marathon to running a marathon and why she finds journey runs to be life changing. If you're thinking of doing a journey run, Mark and Beth will give you advice, tips and a little inspiration!

This week's episode features Jason Sikora, accomplished ultra runner and rad dad. We discuss his running motivation over the years, being a good role model for his daughter and his big dreams in the future. 

Libby Jones is the race director for the Active Joe races in Texas. She is at the forefront of shaping policies concerning non-binary and trans athletes. Tune in to hear her running story, how she got into race directing and what she would like to see in the future of the sport. 

Jake is an awesome runner who works hard to carve out space in the road running world for everyone to feel like they belong. We talk about their running journey, their work with the major marathons on their non-binary policies and what they would like to see in the future of the sport. 

Britt is a mom, teacher and a runner. Tune in to hear how she fits it all in and hear us deep dive into the societal bullshit present in major marathons.

Tune in for a slight detour from my usual running talk to hear me and my eldest nephew discuss his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighting and his Vol State experience.

Katie's joy will make you have a good day. Listen in as we discuss her running journey and her training for a 200 miler.

Buckle up for our longest episode yet – fitting, given our guest! Jared has tackled multiple journey runs and even completed a TransCon run. Tune in as we explore the thrills, joys, and terrors of journey running. From the highs of the open road to the challenges faced along the way, this episode is a wild ride you won't want to miss!

#CussRunningPodcast #JourneyRunning #TransConRun #UltraRunning #RunningAdventures #JaredsJourney #LongDistanceRunning

Hit the like button, subscribe, and ring the bell for more epic running stories!

CUSS Running Co-Founder, Elaine, joins us to tell her running story and answers listener questions with me. 

Kevin & I talked about his journey into the world of ultra running and what drives us to push ourselves.

If you want to listen to a running podcast where we go on a whole tangent about Kurt Vonnegut, this is the episode for you! Chad is the founder of Hard Prairie. We discuss imposter syndrome and why the Illinois running community is so special.

Amy is an accomplished ultra runner with an amazing sense of humor and giving spirit. Listen in to hear how she ended up pacing a stranger and other favorite race memories

Happily Running's Race Directors chime in on how they built an incredible community of running, the impact of seeing others accomplish their goals and why races directed by ultra runners are the best.

Paul and I chat about his long history with running, trail running and ultra running. We also dive into why journey runs are the best!

Tune in as Tahnee and I discuss the fun of adventure running in the city through all seasons.

Christy started and runs one of the best running clubs in Chicago. We talk about how she's kept the club going for over a decade and what running brings to our lives.

I had a blast chatting with Rory and Dan McCaslin, leaders of Vagabond Endurance, about all things trail & ultra running and their journey as race directors.

Coree and I chat about his ultra running journey and what supporting diversity & inclusion in the sport really means.

Listen as Zobel and I chat about their running journey from 5k to marathon to 50k and beyond. Get their take about taking up space in the running world. Learn about the ultrarunning scene in New York and the rad races they have there. 

Patti and I discuss her relationship with running and how she became a DEI leader in the trail and ultra running community. Prepare to be inspired!

Tune in as Leia and I discuss race directing, taking up space in the world and the policies we are happy to see more of in ultra running.

Tune in to hear Grace and I discuss running as an act of protest. You'll laugh, you'll cry or at least I did.

Learn how Katy creates whimsy when running trails and about the trail running scene in Ohio!

Nimbe has run multiple marathons and participated in several triathlons. Learn how she keeps herself motivated to train and her tips on overcoming anxiety to participate in group runs. 

Sandy has run 29 road marathons and maintained a run streak for 5 years. She's managed all of this while being an amazing mom and a kind person, always looking for ways to give back. Learn how her relationship with running has changed from when she started in the 4th grade to now. 

TW: Child Loss

Crystal Irwin is an accomplished athlete winning events ranging from crossfit competitions, to trail races and now paddling. Learn about her journey and what keeps her motivated to pursue suffering.