🎙️ Between the Miles: Timing Isn’t Everything
Ever felt like your pace doesn’t stack up? This bite-sized monologue dives into the trap of comparison in ultra running—and why your journey is what really matters. Pocket dates, mile 23 meltdowns, and finding joy in the grind. Your race. No one else’s.

Episode Sponsored by

Leroy's House of Ribs

Sparta TN

Trailhead Recreation Co.

"We're just here for the trailhead"

https://www.trailheadrecreation.co/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

Surviving GDR 2025 - Tails from the Trail with Amy Johnson & Stephen Ball

In this episode of the East Coast Ultra Running Podcast, Runbum and Scottapants sit down with Georgia Death Race 2025 participants Amy Johnson and Stephen Ball to break down their wild and unforgettable experiences on one of the East Coast’s most grueling ultra courses.

🏆 Amy Johnson took first place female, proving that a love for the journey and a strong mindset can overcome any obstacle. From training with a double stroller to forgetting her headlamp at the start of the race, Amy’s story is a testament to embracing the unexpected, relying on community support, and just going for it. She also shares her thoughts on encouraging more fast runners to tackle the GDR and how her husband’s unwavering support made all the difference.

🤢 Stephen Ball might not have finished first, but his journey was just as inspiring. Balancing a demanding nursing career with race training, Stephen recounts the ups and downs of the GDR, from mental strategies to keep moving, to gastrointestinal struggles that almost derailed his race. With humor and resilience, Stephen talks about breaking the course into mental segments, overtraining on climbs, and the brutal reality of the descents.

Both runners reflect on what they learned from GDR 2025, the importance of community support, and their future goals – including Stephen’s determination to crack a sub-20 next time.

Whether you’re training for your first ultra or eyeing the Georgia Death Race yourself, this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and the gritty reality of what it takes to conquer the course.

Check out the newest issue of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine!
https://www.eastcoastultrarunning.com/

Episode Sponsored by

Leroy's House of Ribs

Sparta TN

Trailhead Recreation Co.

"We're just here for the trailhead"

https://www.trailheadrecreation.co/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

In this episode of the East Coast Ultra Running Podcast, hosts Sean Runbum Blanton and Scott Abshire discuss the Georgia Death Race, its history, challenges, and notable runners.

We reflect on recent achievements in ultra running, including the Florida trail fastest known time, and delve into the evolution of the Georgia Death Race course over the years. The conversation highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by participants, the significance of course records, and the growing presence of women in ultra running, showcasing upcoming competitors to watch. We dive into the competitive landscape of this years GDR, focusing on both male and female top athletes.

We emphasize the significance of the Georgia Death Race, including its unique challenges and the symbolic burden of the railroad spike.

Check out the newest issue of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine!
https://www.eastcoastultrarunning.com/

Episode Sponsored by

Trailhead Recreation Co.

"We're just here for the trailhead"

https://www.trailheadrecreation.co/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

Deanna Doane - new FKT holder of the Florida Trail.

Join us for an epic, raw, and unscripted conversation as host Scottapants, Deanna Doane’s crew chief, sits down with the trailblazing ultrarunner herself.

Deanna just smashed the Fastest Known Time on the Florida Trail, conquering 1,100 miles in a jaw-dropping 19 days, 12 hours, and 13 minutes—an average of 57 miles a day. She obliterated the previous record by nearly two full days.

This episode dives deep into the highs, lows, smiles, and tears of this grueling adventure, unpacking what it took to turn an audacious goal into reality.

From blistering heat to soul-crushing fatigue, hear the untold stories behind the triumph. Then, buckle up for mind-blowing details about the Florida Trail itself: a wild, 1,100-mile beast stretching from the swamps of Big Cypress to the panhandle’s rugged forests, teeming with alligators, sandy stretches, and unrelenting beauty. This is a front-row seat to an extraordinary feat of human endurance—straight from the trail, no filter.

Follow Sweet D:

https://www.instagram.com/wandering.sunflower/

https://www.wanderingrunner.com/blog?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZnMxefHtmSFSbgxKHm8ZcY38Ybsm2f0feAB3Kc05dknDKt_A7T95Zkn9k_aem_uuL8qzGjEcj6OkkAlY8_WQ

Check out the newest issue of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine!
https://www.eastcoastultrarunning.com/

Episode Sponsored by

Trailhead Recreation Co.

"We're just here for the trailhead"

https://www.trailheadrecreation.co/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

In this episode, we talk with Rosie Gagnon, who has run 76 100-milers in just a short time period. They discuss Rosie's motivation for running 100-milers, which stems from the loss of her son to suicide. Rosie is passionate about raising awareness for veteran suicide and supports organizations like 'Wear Blue: Run to Remember' and '22 Too Many.'
Rosie shares her training approach, which involves running a 100-miler as her long run and focusing on time on her feet rather than speed.
She also emphasizes the importance of having a strong mental fortitude and recommends simulating race conditions during training, such as running in bad weather or on technical terrain. In this part of the conversation, Rosie and Run Bum discuss various aspects of training and race day strategy for a hundred-mile race.

https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/
https://www.22toomany.com/

Check out the newest issue of East Coast Ultra Running Magazine!
https://www.eastcoastultrarunning.com/

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

Newly Rebranded East Coast Ultra Running Podcast!
New name, same great content from Runbum and the crew.

In this conversation, RunBum and Chris Stangle discuss the transition from a 50K to a 50-mile race. They share their personal experiences and offer advice on training and race strategies.
They emphasize the importance of respecting the distance and gradually increasing mileage.
They discuss the benefits of incorporating run-walk intervals and power hiking into training and race plans.
They also highlight the significance of pacing, heart rate management, and finding the right balance between running and walking.
Overall, they provide valuable insights for runners looking to make the jump to a 50-mile race.

If YOU have any questions for the Runbum team, send us a message here!
https://www.runbumtours.com/about

If you're looking for some fall races for your 2023/24 calendar, check out our races open for registration now!
https://www.runbumtours.com/
@runbumraces

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

Run Bum Races Race directors Sean Blanton and Deanna Doane answer questions from the audience. They cover bears, self supported runs, run walk method for ultras and more

If YOU have any questions for the Runbum team, send us a message here!
https://www.runbumtours.com/about

If you're looking for some fall races for your 2023/24 calendar, check out our races open for registration now!
https://www.runbumtours.com/
@runbumraces

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me

'In the quiet of Tallahassee, where legends are spun,

Ron Blanton's story, forever to run.

Through winding trails and a Canyon’s embrace,

A ballad for Ron, in the runner's chase.

Ron Blanton, a name in the wind,

Cloudland Canyon, where his dreams begin.

Second place echoes, in the Georgia clay,

A ballad for Ron, who runs his own way.'

Kyle Kraeft is an amazing member of the ultra running community in Tallahassee Fl. Ron (Kyle) and Sean talk all about his 2nd place finish at Cloudland Canyon 50mile trail race, nutrition, training, and the local trail community he's help grow in his home town.

Check out the Tallahassee Trail runners
https://www.facebook.com/groups/846833826423978/

If you're looking for some fall races for your 2023/24 calendar, check out our races open for registration now!
https://www.runbumtours.com/
@runbumraces

Podcast produced, edited and all wizardly techy things by
Looking Glass Designs, LLC
https://www.lgdesigns.me/
@LGDesigns.me