Marisa Romeo never ceases to blow my mind. To be in the top 25 women at the biggest ultra trail running race in the world is unbelievable...she was 22nd by the way. I had to hear her story, and it did not disappoint. Going in with a great mental state and just reveling in the fact that she was even there was the perfect way to approach the start line. She was ready. Hear about her journey through these majestic mountains, battling crazy cold weather, and overcoming some personal lows and other issues. I found it so interesting to hear two different experiences of this same race back to back (Katti and Marisa). Both women are so strong, and I feel blessed to sit back and watch them excel. Thank you, Marisa, for coming back on the podcast. I SO enjoy our 'catch up times'. I certainly hope you can make your way back to UTMB, and I'll continue to be one of your biggest fans. :)

Marisa's website: https://www.marisaromeo.com

Marisa's coach: Ryne Anderson with CTS

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I was so pumped to follow several runners on their journey through the mountains of France, Switzerland and Italy during the UTMB 100 miler. One of these incredible runners was Katti Jackson, and I stalked her on the live tracking until she crossed the finish line back in Chamonix. Little did I know the ups and downs she fought through to get there. I purposely did not look at any of her recaps of the race, because I wanted to hear directly from her first hand. I wish I could describe how strong she is, but her performance out there after a horrific first night, speaks to this better than words can. Now, she may not think so, as I could see the disappointment in her face as she spoke about her experience. But that's what I love about Katti...her her hunger to just get better combined with a humility that makes her unstoppable. She will come back to take on this course again...I just know it. Thank you, Katti, for sharing your journey. I treasured every second of our time.

Dr. Jennifer Kurtz is an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. She specializes in nutritional supplementation, performance and recovery, and she is also a sports nutritionist. She understands endurance athletes because she is one...an ultra runner, a mountain biker and a snowboarder. She is QUITE the athlete and incredibly smart. Her first ultra was the Mt. Mitchell Heartbreaker 55K put on by Tanawha Adventures. Now she has decided to investigate the effects of creatine on cognitive function and performance recovery following ultramarathons. She is specifically working with athletes running in events put on by Tanawha Adventures. Jen’s study sounds absolutely intriguing, and I would love to see the results when this is completed. Jen taught me so much through this podcast, and I really loved her personality and her passion for her work and endurance sports. She is already doing so much for our community. After listening to the podcast, you may be consider being part of her field study. If so, please connect with Jen via her website, https://sites.google.com/appstate.edu/creatine-trail-running-study-/home. Also her email is kurtzja@appstate.edu.

Thank you, again, Jen for reaching out and coming on to the podcast! Looking forward to running with you in the future! :)

Jen Kurtz's Instagram is @jen.kurtz.phd

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