Cultra Trail Running

An all female Crew discusses what they do to stay safe and have fun on the trails. Evil Becky Burke invites Gelato, Jessica Crandall, and Emily "The Mayor of Cultra City" Mayer and they kick the dudes to the curb, (because they need to listen, not speak) before giving the scoop on some of the issues most important to Women on the trail. But this episode is so much more!  Be sure to listen to the very end for a special hilarious tutorial on how to take a screen shot with your PC!   Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running

We had a plan but then the Crew dives down more rabbit holes than Watership Down.  But we do get to talk about Amy Mower's excellent book Run To Save Your Life, plus we review  lotsa races before taking a look at the finisher's rate broken out by Gender at this year's UTMB and compare it to many other races, then asked the question.  Why are there so few women running the "most prestigious" ultra race in the world, and why is it so much lower than other comparable races? (spolier alert) We just guess, because we really don't know shit about it. What do you think? Plus it is the 2 year anniversary of AFB's 419 mile Erie Canal Bike Trip! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running

Cultra is Chillin' with Dillon! Dave Dillon is a quality human being and he's YouTube famous- over 67,000 subscribers can't be wrong! Dave offers sharp insight on trail running and stellar product reviews, all delivered in a professional and matter-of-fact manner in HD. So What Watch should you buy? Tune in to find out about this plus latest news on some FKT's and other dank beta. Chase the summit YouTube podcast website   North Shore Surfing Film Offspring   

This episode has everything but Jimmy Mac! We give a professional AF jackassessment  of UTMB, or was it UTMP? Cultra Bot gets feisty with the Crew.  Then we give tips for how to get to Aspen via Leadville as part of a workaround if Glenwood Canyon shits the bed, and shout out Harvey Lewis.  Ultra walker Andy Cable has completed one of the most beautiful projects, running at least 5 miles in every one of Connecticut’s 169 towns, and connects them into a single connected maze! Phred cross examines AFB about what it was like to run every Blue Blaze Trail in CT. We preview the Dumbass Dice Challenge, talk some Nipmuck Alpaca Llama love aid stations, and even preview early leaf catching season. Have you read Amy Mower’s book Run To Save Your Life: A Compilation of Poetry and Short Stories by Runners But this all is just a warmup for AFB’s review of the $35 Nevo Rhino Hydration Pack AKA: Ultimate Wrong Direction.  Do we really need to spend more than $100 for a hydration pack? Tune in to find out. Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running  

Eastern States 100 is some graduate level shit, and eats people up with its elevation, and tough AF tecnical BS. What happens when life gets in the way and you toe the line and your not fully trained? Bessic shares his experience at this race and tells the story of his grind.  He also gives a masterful reading of the Patreons. Don miss this.  Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running  

We got nothing folks, just mailing this one in. I mean it's good if you want to hear 100% pure uncut jackassing but if you want NEW spicy ultra content, then step off fam. No we do got some dank beta nuggets tho- a few Zen hot takes from Becky (channelling Amy Mower Power), 100-mile wisdom from Phred, Jimmy's "shitty" stories and Art's tales of woe and Desitin.  Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running

First up we Air the Grievances (aka the difficulties we all encountered), and seriously it was quite a btich fest, ngl. Actually we sound mega STONED tbh. And we are in a car. First CULTRA recorded in a car, it was stupid AF y'all. But really funny. Really funny. We do not stay on topic, Jimmy starts to get annoyed at Art and Becky and just about shits his little panties. Basically we recount every little thing we did wrong. Fuck. Then we hear from a solo Phat Phreddie as he recounts his amazing experience. Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running

Tim Hardy hails from Marietta, NY and has an impressive resume of very long races. His background in Army Ranger training has made him certified "tough as fuck" but most importantly his mental approach is what sets him apart. Read more from Tim's Blog  Abby McCarthy is also from New York and she is a very smart runner- hear how she eats "walking ramen", how she is "a Honda Civic with a governor on it" and "takes dirt naps in graveyards". She's basically built for Vol State- and sadly she could not finish Wordle the day after finishing. Finally, our dude Oak Miller- projectile vomiting like a champ during Vol State will hopefully be a new core memory from our guy from North Carolina. Desitin for a sun rash, Hunt Brother's Pizza (worst pizza ever?) and no low points (haha no wait, Bench of Despair?)   Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Carly Eisley is not new to ultra running, but she is new to the 100 Mile distance. On this episode we learn about: The Chair. The List.  Vermont 100 what it was like to be there as an experienced newcomer. Cultra Karaoke, New Patreons get roasted.  Carly's fundraising page: https://www.pledgereg.com/316122 Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Holy shit fam, we are all up in this week's craw with some spicy and sweet hot takes- Jimmy's 7-11 run, by far the dumbest thing he has to offer in terms of running. Then Becky recounts her epic sub-24 hundo up at the BURCS Notchview races. We roll call like 50 of your freinds out getting after it, both last weekend and this upcoming weekend and Hardrock, VT100 and elsewhere. A magical listening experience ruined by the mention and description of "shirtcocking". Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race 

We recap our friends running ultras around the USA with a wee bit of elite love sprinkled in but mostly it's mid-packer heaven over here since you gotta go with what you know.  Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race Go do a Steep Endurance race too!

MERRY STATESMAS! It's Western States week and a shit ton of our friends are running it this year! First up, Ellie Pell makes her like 300th appearance on the pod, she's basically a regular. She's also super humble so we will brag for her- she's going to freaking slay it. She talks about her training, her awesome build up, her three podiums at big races (Bandera 100k for the Golden Ticket, Chuckanut 50k and Gorge Waterfalls 100k) and that she is NOT AFRAID. Ellie runs hard on nothing but her love for the Beast Coast and Aldi's snacks. I give her bad advice and we talk the virtues of Corn Flake consumption. Then we holla at Steve LaBranche and he might put some sandwiches in his pants, or he might run The Grand Slam of Ultrarunning this summer. Either way dude is a badass and has a practical approach to running a lot of hundreds in a short amount of time. This is Steve's second WSER start and #2 of his Summer of 100s (has already run Old Dominion, then Western States and Vermont, and finally Wasatch).  Last up is THE DESTROYER Tom Starodaj. Tom's strengths are his actual running, followed by his signature short shorts, his dope ultra beard and finally his insanely awesome crew. All stalwarts in the local scene, not to mention Patreons for YEARS they will have our dude on point for all 100.2 miles. Marc "Machine Gun" Kelly, Stefan "Mr Ragged Himself", Julia "The Thrasher" and Tha Homie Bessic all chime in with some behind the scenes Q and A that is not all awkward.   Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

We sit down with CT trail stalwart Ron Locandro for a quick one, waxing poetic about the nurturing and supportive community of trailrunners here in the Northeast. Ron has a stellar resume; completing tough races like Grindstone 100 and Manitou's Revenge as well as acting as the co-RD for perennial season opener Traprock 50k. We also thank Ron for his continued suppoort fo not oly Cultra but getting out and helping all the runner's at this year's CUT112. Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race  

The CUT112 is a ball-breaker of a "race". Luckily for our guest this week, they don't have balls. They have something stronger- ovaries! Hear how Mira, Jillian and Cherie all crushed not only the odds but their own expectations- conquering one of the toughest races west of the Connecticut River but also crushing their own fear and doubt! One of the best inpirational stories you'll hear in 2022. The Ladies of the CUT! Berkshire Trail Heads Sarah Poriss Attorney at Law Steep Endurance Ragged CUTS Awards Connecticut Forest & Parks Association Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Another trifecta! Three guests is where it's at- this week we get visits from Tom "The Destroyer" Starodaj, Sarah "Suing and Crewing" Porris and Pete "TKO" Keyo to talk mad shizz on what it takes to both run, pace and crew the CUT112, CT's only 100-mile foot race*  * it's not a race, per our legal counsel Ragged CUTS makes the best damn awards ever! CUT112 UltraSignup CUT112 Facebook Page Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Well-known Cultra Celebrities Fee Cosham, Albertstar Galactica and the Monkey Stuffer stop by to recount their time spent at NJ's Three Days at the Fair last week with raw, graphic content!  Three Days RESULTS TUNNOCK'S Yodels Pork Soda? CT's best poutine? Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Jackassing! In a BRAND NEW studio! We talk about: Fred ran a 24-hour track event during a Nor'easter. Becky readies herself for Runamuck. Jimmy returns from Arizona. Art goes hard on the sound FX.  We love you! No seriously we do. And we think you love us back. Just let us think that.

Jared Burdick is a 2:20 Marathoner, and he has taken his road speed to the trails emerging as a hill climbing force to be reckoned with. He recently broke the course record at the Hyner Trail Challenge.  He joins us to not only review some past race results but to talk about how it feels to be devestated in the trials of miles. Jared and his wife started a coaching and nutrition business called Miles and Macros which is a great resource! Hyner Trail Challenge is put on by the non- appologetic PA Trail Dogs Episode Photo Credit Mike McNeil Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

We start with a shoutout to The Trails Collective, and it goes downhill from there. But Everyone loves running downhill right? We read the Patreons the right way, not like some amateur punks. Still takes us like an hour, but hey- we are about progress, not perfection. Several boofing references though, because we're gonna get a ton of miles out of that one in 2022, no doubt. We do manage to provide some valuable insight about trail and ultra running however since we have Fred, who volunteers to give out the medals every year at the USA's oldest continually run 100k, the Jack Bristol Lake Waramaug races. Becky goes hard for the 100k ladies' win and tells us in harrowing detail her journey to the win. Andy Griffith and Betty White have cameo appearances. Be sure not to miss the secret bonus material at the end. A "must listen" episode... What Art meant to say was: Galpin equation for fluid replenishment during exercise or demanding activity: start exercise hydrated with electrolytes (not just water) then every 15 minutes consume (in ounces) your body weight (in pounds) / 30 Lake Waramaug results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=92278 Donate to our freind Kevin Hoegler as he runs across the USA for MS: https://msruntheus.salsalabs.org/2022relay/p/kevinhoeglerrunsforms/index.html Dr Andrew Huberman on sodium: https://hubermanlab.com/using-salt-to-optimize-mental-and-physical-performance/ Trails Collective Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Warning (Explicit) do not listen with your kids. Brian Roccapriore, one of the original Cultra members joins us to share the experience of putting on the latest Traprock 50K and 17K with co-RD's Stacey Clark, Ron Lacandro, and a great group of volunteers. He is a great person, race director and friend.  Traprock 2022 Results Ross Bielak Western CUT112 Coffee-enema-8-things-you-need-to-know Episode photo credit Sundar Varadarajan Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Don't listen to Episode 184 with your kids. Butt, if you are a big Stevie Nicks fan, and are looking for an exciting new adventure that could change your life this may give you a new outlook on life. Actually if you have any self respect at all, don't listen because this may scar you for life. We do talk about The Squatch Apple 50 mile win by Jamie Miller, Nipmuck North run, #CUT112, Umstead 100, Badger 100, and the Hoppin Hodges 5K.  Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race  

Oak Miller and Kevin "Law Dawg" Jordan are in fact, not dead to Cultra. They are very much alive and well and we cherish them. I mean, imagine being the kind of person that cares what podcasts people listen to? As far as Umstead is concerned- Fred is like "yeah whatever, I only ran 87.5 miles, so please don't talk to me about it" but dude that is stout AF. At any rate, two members of the Cultra Fam got together and ran Umstead 100 in under 24 hours. Each helped the other to make sure they stayed on track, and the results were rad but the subsequent podcast was even radder. The Fam is alive and well, so consider being like them and throwing a dollar in the Patreon bucket... Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Info on the #CUT112 Info on TJM's Badger 100 Outro music by Nick Byram Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Jimmy Mac tells his story of qualifying for Boston with the most non specific training ever. AFB and Evil Becky battle it out for 6 hours on the trails of New York during the 6 Hour Spring on the Trails run put on by our friends at CTW Conquer The World Endurance.  You should go check them out!  KLM Photograpy Check out the Film Turk 182 Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Jason Hardrath is once again back with us and I gotta say my dude is one of the best guests we have had on- from getting real and raw while recounting his journey to 100 FKTs to his honest and vulnerable takes on what this sport means to him, we take a deep dive into the soul of one of ultrarunning's best humans.  Jason's Website JasonHardrath.com Check out Episode 110 with Jason Hardrath Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for an amazing adventure at Rat Race

We talk Simon C Edgett, Vertical Madness, Ellie Pell, Jake Koteen, LOTR, Katniss, Law Dawg, Oak Miller, Gelato, Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run and even a little CUT112. We talk trail running, Road Running, Marathons, and FKT's. We also get into some books, and authors. Perhaps Kurt was an ultra runner... “I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ― Kurt Vonnegut Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

We answer many questions like, "what was the first album you ever bought" and "what happens when a sub 60 minute half double half marathoner sets his sights on a 50k" and "where is the best place in New England to view paintings from the Hudson River School". We also mention that Barkleys is going on but it will be over when this drops. But mostly we try to focus, but fail miserably on the upcoming Highlights Train Festival, so at least we provided a link and included it in the episode title with the usual click bait stuff. Highlands Trail Festival Red Newt Racing New Britain Art Museum The Poetry of Nature Hudson River School Sign Up for the CUT112 Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Tony Bonanno and Simon C. Edgett (What does the "C" stand for ?) join the full Crew as we relive what has become Cultra's favorite Double Half Marathon. We also consider Ross Bielak's silent humble crushing of this event as he ran solo all night before the rest of us showed up to paddle.  A good time was had by all! Tune in to the end of the episode for an in depth look at Fred's Cat's ass! Colchester Half Results 2022 Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

The whole Crew is together for some new Hampshire-based shenanigans as we sit down with the Queen of The White Mountains, Kristina Folcik. She talks about her company Rockhopper Races and brings in her partner Rem Stone to talk logistics and what it takes to not only race in the Whites but what the scaffolding looks like behind the scenes. In addtion to putting on rerally cool and challenging runs they also give a ton to charity and Kristina may have spread her dead cat's ashes in someone's lunch on top of Mount Chocorua... stay tuned for some epic stories and chcek out Rockhopper's list of races and events: Rockhopper Races Special Bonus Jackass Material at the end of the episode Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Nils Van Der Poel, olympic gold medalist and ultrarunner kicks off the show for us, ja! Then we take a good look at the TARC Frozen Yeti and Satan's Sidewalk. Then we jackass heavily, Tarzan Brown and Johnny Kelley get some love and then we talk Colchester triple half or double and half half wtf? Yeah it's fun for all and then finally we are regaled with a story that frankly if it does not win a Pulitzer I will burn that building down. I mean the building that gives out the awards. Yep, because we are a groundbreaking original idea podcast that has never ever been done before. #DuckWillShakespeare  Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race

Jimmy got into UTMB so that dominates this episode. Sorry (not sorry). He is terrified. By the way, he is me. I am him. We are writing this right now. Sometimes there are two Jimmys. Avoid them both. Anyway, he's freaking out over kit and travel and all the things. Listen as Art grills his ass.  Swammie Shuffle Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter Cultra Facebook Fan Page Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running Sign up for a crazy adventure at Rat Race