Becca and Jon talk about how Christmas feels different as you get older—more logistics, more stress, and a lot more emotional weight. Jon shares a frustrating car saga after an oil change turns into repeated leaks and unexpected expenses, sparking a real conversation about the difference between gratitude and forced positivity.

Becca recaps an 11-hour caving trip and what it taught her about trusting herself in unfamiliar environments, building confidence through discomfort, and using “transferable skills” from running to handle new challenges. The episode closes with reflections on the year—why the most meaningful moments are rarely planned, how growth takes time (like trees finally bearing fruit), and why being present matters more than chasing one big “highlight” moment.

Merry Christmas from Becca and Jon—thanks for listening.

In this episode, Becca and Jon talk openly about something most people never see: what happens to race directors after the runners go home. They break down the emotional crash that can hit once an event wraps up—the exhaustion, the silence, and that weird mix of pride and loneliness that shows up when you’re the one packing up the course.

They share what the post-race blues actually feel like, why directing can be both rewarding and isolating, and how community plays a bigger role than anyone realizes. They also talk about the Tennessee Mile leading into the Mid State Mile, how the runner community keeps them going, and why support after an event matters just as much as race-day hype.

It’s a real, honest conversation about the highs, the lows, and the part of race directing that rarely gets talked about and more.

Huge shoutout and Thank you to our friend and sponsor Joshua Brandt of State Farm insurance. Team Nashvillle,Naak and Mount to Coast

In this episode of the Ultra-Crewed Podcast, hosts Jon Cox and Becca Jones pull back the curtain on race week at the Tennessee Mile—sharing the chaos, the cold, the community, and the countless moving pieces that make this event unlike any other.

From laughing about missed podcast episodes (thanks, race-week brain!) to admitting how exhaustion sneaks up on even the most seasoned endurance athletes, Jon and Becca keep it real about what life looks like behind the scenes. Becca talks about battling sleep while juggling race prep, and Jon shares how they tag-teamed the week’s curveballs—including a broken heater—just to keep everything running smoothly.

The pair revisit this year’s Tennessee Mile experience: 33-degree temps, over 160 runners, and a record wave of first-timers who showed up ready to push themselves and support each other. With no headphones allowed, conversations flowed, friendships formed, and the sense of family that defines this race was stronger than ever.

Throughout the episode, they highlight the deeper theme woven through the weekend: community matters. Whether it’s runners cheering for strangers on the course or volunteers stepping up when challenges hit, the Tennessee Mile continues to grow because people show up for each other.

Jon and Becca close with reflections on how far the event has come and the pride they feel watching this community thrive.