On this episode of Running Toward Life John Trent is joined by San Diego 100 race director Angela Shartel.

A distinguished ultrarunner, Angela shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal battles to reach unprecedented heights in the sport of ultrarunning. As she and John get into the conversation, she shares that her path to running came from a challenging journey of weight loss, overcoming food addiction, and personal struggles which led her to find solace in running.

Starting with a 20-mile trail behind her house, leading her to win significant ultramarathons, including the prestigious Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run (where she held a course record) and Fat Dog 120 Trail Race (she's second all-time fastest here!). Her story will resonate with runners seeking to find meaning and happiness in their own running journeys. And her experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, self-reflection, and supportive relationships in achieving personal growth and success.

Listen in to learn the insights Angela shares to help you gain a new perspective on running and discover how to find fulfillment in every step of your own journey.

Photo courtesy of Angela Shartel

On this episode of the Running Toward Life podcast John's guest is Diana Fitzpatrick.

Diana Fitzpatrick is no ordinary ultra runner. As an accomplished athlete with multiple Western States endurance run finishes and holding age group records, she also gives back to the community. Diana has dedicated over a decade to coaching incarcerated men at San Quentin, and her deep understanding of the transformative power of running has made a significant impact on the lives of those she coaches. Diana also shares her passion for running as a respected leader, currently serving as the first woman president of the Western States Run. Get ready to be inspired by her incredible journey and the ways in which running can bring about positive change.

SHOW NOTES:

• Read more about Ronnie Goodman: https://sanquentinnews.com/remembering-ronnie-goodman-painter-champion-runner-friend/
• Learn about the documentary 26.2 to Life: https://www.sanquentinmarathon.com/
• Get the scoop on the Dipsea Race: https://www.dipsea.org/
• Check out the Western States Endurance Run and consider participating or volunteering: https://www.wser.org/
• Get your copy of John's books everywhere books are sold! Running Toward Life: https://broadbookpress.com/running-toward-life Second Sunrise: https://broadbookpress.com/second-sunrise

Photo credit: Western States Endurance Run

In this episode of Running Toward Life, Scott Mills joins John Trent as he shares his story of how he became a part of the ultra community wherever he was stationed, and the importance of passing the baton to the next generation of race directors.

Scott is a legendary ultra-runner who has also made a name for himself as a dedicated race director. Over the years, Scott has accumulated a remarkable list of race achievements including finishing the Western States Endurance Run 20 times and completing the Hardrock Endurance Run 100 Mile on ten occasions. His dedication to the sport has been further showcased in his involvement as a race director for iconic events such as the Bull Run Run 50 Miler and the San Diego 100. Scott's life in ultrarunning has led to the formation of meaningful connections with communities across the country. Leveraging on his extensive experience, Scott is now guiding the next generation of race directors to continue his legacy in maintaining top-notch race experiences.

The key moments in this episode are:

• 4:26 - Race Directing
• 7:23 - San Diego 100
• 13:19 - Passing the Torch
• 15:41 - The Importance of Volunteers in Ultra-Running
• 31:22 - The Importance of Running Community
• 33:12 - The Allure of Running 100 Miles
• 34:09 - The Power of Friendship

Learn about the Western States Endurance Run: https://www.wser.org/

Learn about the San Diego 100: https://sandiego100.com/

Lean about the Hardrock Endurance Run 100 Mile: https://www.hardrock100.com/

Pick up a copy of John's latest books, Running Toward Life: Finding Community and Wisdom in the Distances We Run and Second Sunrise: Five Decades of History at the Western States Endurance Run, everywhere books are sold.  ​

Photo credit: Western States Endurance Run