Joseph Schrum is an avid ultrarunner and endurance adventurer, always on the lookout for new challenges and ways to push his limits. During one of his recent training runs, Joseph tackled the demanding Brown King scramble, a grueling 31-mile route with relentless uphill climbs until the final stretch. His goal was to simulate the toughness and fatigue he’d face during the Cocodona 250, aiming to hike hard up to Crown King, take short breaks, and refuel quickly—just as he would in the race’s punishing first 100k.

With nearly 11,000 feet of vertical gain ahead and an estimated 19–20 hours on foot, Joseph approached the day with patience and determination. After finally reaching his van just after 1:30 a.m., he found all the park gates closed, trapping him inside until morning. Forced to rest, Joseph took the situation in stride, embracing every challenge as part of his journey to become a stronger, more resilient athlete.

Jared opens up about his humble beginnings, facing early DNFs (Did Not Finish) and the lessons learned from those experiences. He shares how moving from road to trail running helped him fall in love with pushing his limits and connecting with a diverse, supportive community. Together, Karen and Jared dive into the mindset needed to persevere through setbacks, the importance of learning from mistakes, and how each race—no matter the outcome—becomes an opportunity for growth.

The heart of the episode centers around Jared’s recent Cocodona 250 adventure, a grueling multi-day race through mud, storms, and sleep deprivation. Jared recounts the highs and lows, including the impact of teamwork and the friendships forged on the trail, the invaluable help of crew and pacers (many of whom he’d never met before), and the moments that pushed him to the edge both physically and mentally.

Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner or just starting out, Jared’s story will inspire you to explore your own boundaries, embrace the power of community, and discover what’s possible when you take that next step—no matter how daunting it may seem. Get ready to be motivated, moved, and reminded that in running and in life, it’s often the journey, not just the finish line, that transforms us.

Stacey-Anne grew up in a Western culture, though her parents turned to natural remedies most often, except in an emergency. With their move to Canada, conventional medicine became the norm due to a fast-paced life. However, Stacey-Anne found herself questioning this approach, especially with the burgeoning side effects. 

Over time, she developed a preference for natural methods, valuing the slower but more complete healing they offer, free from unwanted side effects.

Today, an experienced Holistic Nutritionist, Stacey-Anne continues to seek out and practice holistic approaches to well-being, staying committed to a path of natural healing in her everyday life, while helping her clients do the same. 

Check out Stacey-Anne’s website and gift:
https://www.fernzholisticconsulting.com/freesleep

I thank all of you who have been part of my Running Strong Mind Body Connection podcast journey.

I look forward to another year of podcasts

Lori shares her personal story—how her own search for fulfillment led her from unraveling old beliefs to rediscovering her dreams and even moving across the country to live out a childhood vision. Together, they explore the importance of reconnecting with your authentic self, listening to your intuition, and embracing the childlike joy that often gets buried under life’s responsibilities and fears. With practical insights and heartfelt wisdom, Karen and Lori deliver a message of hope: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, find happiness, and live the life you truly want.

Whether you’re in the midst of transition or supporting someone who is, this conversation is packed with relatable stories and actionable tips for overcoming limiting beliefs, letting go of regret, and rediscovering the power within.

Tune in to get inspired, and remember—there’s always now.

Mike Hoffman’s journey is one of transformation and grit. In January 2024, after reaching his heaviest weight of 266 pounds, Mike—despite spending long days on his feet as a mail carrier—realized it was time to take charge of his health.

Determined for a change, he signed up for “The Proving Ground,” a grueling training weekend in North Georgia run by former Navy SEAL Chad Wright, founder of Project 3 of 7. There, Mike found himself the slowest and heaviest participant, put to the test running endless stairs with his team. On the verge of quitting as his body faltered, he leaned on his teammates’ support and pushed through.

That pivotal moment inspired Mike to start running consistently. He tackled his first 5Ks, then larger races—10K, 12K, 15K. Craving a bigger challenge, he set his sights on ultramarathons. It was during one of these events, the iconic Crown King Scramble, that he shared his story mid-run—reminding everyone that the true victory is choosing to keep moving, one step at a time.

J.D. Leisky brings a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and hope. J.D. shares his incredible journey from being a self-described "gym rat" at the peak of physical fitness—only to suffer a life-altering stroke and discover major heart issues at just 35 years old. Faced with the loss of his athletic identity, J.D. fell into a dark period but ultimately found his way back through unexpected avenues—like shooting hoops on the basketball court and connecting with others who were also facing challenges.

Growing up along the murky creeks of Southern Georgia, Cheryl Wright swam fearlessly in waters teeming with alligators, believing she would see them coming in time to escape.

Looking back, she marvels at the risks her childhood self took, using that memory as a powerful metaphor in her later life. Cheryl found a striking similarity between lurking alligators and the presence of narcissists—both hidden threats that can catch you off guard and leave a lasting mark. Inspired by these experiences,

Cheryl became an author, channeling her story into her book and website, "Everything is Swimming with Alligators," where she shares lessons from her journey and empowers others to navigate the often treacherous waters of human relationships.

Lisa Smith-Batchen’s journey to endurance running greatness didn’t follow a typical path. In high school, she was told she was too slow for the cross country and track teams and struggled with asthma—so she gave up running for years, despite loving it. Everything changed during her last year of college, when she decided to join a 5K Turkey Trot on a whim. Surprisingly, she won the race—and a 20-pound turkey—proving to herself (and her family) that she was a runner after all.

From there, Lisa rapidly escalated her ambitions: from local 10Ks to her first marathon, and soon after, she was talked into running the legendary Badwater 135 ultra marathon by friend and mentor Marshall Ulrich. By 1995, just months after learning what an “ultra” even was, Lisa found herself at the Badwater starting line in Death Valley, and discovered a true passion for extreme endurance. Since then, Lisa Smith-Batchen has become a celebrated figure in the ultrarunning world, known for her bold spirit, rapid progress, and deep love for pushing beyond the marathon into the toughest races on earth.

For years, Dr. Joan Steidinger watched as women’s natural focus on relationships was misunderstood—even pathologized.

Inspired by the cultural impact of books like Women Who Love Too Much in the 1980s and 90s, she felt frustrated by the notion that women’s relational strengths were seen as problems rather than strengths. Determined to change the narrative,

Dr. Steidinger decided to write her own book—one that would celebrate women’s connection-oriented approach through the world of sports, particularly running.

Through research, she discovered that, contrary to stereotypes, women didn’t simply talk more than men—they talked more about relationships.

With her work, Dr. Steidinger aims to normalize and honor the relationship focus of women, showing it as a source of power and community, not a weakness.

David Waldes is the founder of Align Living, a transformative platform where he combines his abilities as a psychic, channel, and coach to assist individuals in stabilizing their energy from within, rather than relying on external influences.

He specializes in working with empaths, high performers, and what he terms "spiritual junkies"—those who frequently shift from one activity to another in search of grounding. Through a simple yet profound process, David guides clients in reorganizing their energy to maintain personal alignment, helping them to bring this stability into every aspect of their lives.

His approach emphasizes creating lasting change and is humorously encapsulated in his philosophy: it's about aligned living, not just aligned moments.

Mo discovered her passion for running later in life, not picking up the sport until her late 40s and 50s.

Despite having no experience in athletics during her high school or college years, she quickly embraced the challenge and learned the art of running.

Her journey began with simple movements that evolved into a fervent pursuit of ultra-distance races, where she set impressive records in the hundred-mile category.

After leaving her mark in the world of ultra-running, Mo transitioned to shorter races, including 5Ks and 10Ks, where she continues to excel. Her remarkable achievements stand as a testament to her dedication and prowess, proving that age is no barrier to success in the sport.

Molly Sheridan is an accomplished athlete who participated in the renowned World Marathon Challenge.

This unique event gathers approximately 60 athletes from around the globe to compete in a series of seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days.

The journey begins in Cape Town, South Africa, where participants gather for the race briefing.

Molly's challenging adventure included a remarkable marathon in central Antarctica, a rare and exclusive experience as only about 180 people worldwide venture into this remote region each year.

Her participation in such a demanding and extraordinary event highlights her dedication and passion for running.

Dr. John Beach is a dedicated performance consultant with a passion for helping athletes and business leaders elevate their mental skills to achieve peak performance.

Having initially embarked on a career in psychology, Dr. Beach discovered his true calling in guiding individuals aiming to transition from good to great in their respective fields.

He adeptly divides his time between working with athletes and business leaders, relishing the rewarding nature of his work.

Dr. Beach thrives on connecting with like-minded individuals, both professionally and personally, continually expanding his expertise and impact in the realm of performance enhancement.

Shelby Mott, a seasoned consciousness transformational coach with 30 years of experience, specializes in intuitive mastery and conscious leadership.

Passionate about guiding high-impact individuals, visionary leaders, and strategists, Shelby emphasizes the importance of understanding one's physical, emotional, and mental bodies, referring to these as the "magic number" within the Earth human star network.

Through inspirational teachings on cosmic science and innovative thought processes, Shelby empowers people to recognize their superhuman potential, believing in the ability to harness more than 15% of the brain's capacity.

Collaborating with like-minded individuals, such as Karen and her audience, Shelby is dedicated to merging gifts and knowledge to serve humanity in a collective mission.

Faith Rumer is a dynamic coach and mentor dedicated to helping individuals discover and unleash their authentic voice and presence.

With a unique focus on mind, body, and spirit alignment, Faith guides actors, NBC commentators, CEOs of large companies, and other creative professionals to overcome feelings of overwhelm and build confidence, particularly in speaking and presenting.

Her approach emphasizes finding one's true essence and emotional resilience, empowering her clients to bring their full, authentic selves into any room they enter.

Through her work, Faith Rumer inspires others to access and share their unique magic with the world.

Jennifer Yago’s journey towards mastering the art of movement began with overcoming her physical challenges.

Suffering from multiple injuries and recurrent shoulder issues in her early years, it wasn't until her twenties that she found solace in the expertise of a movement specialist.

This transformative experience alleviated her pain and revealed the joy and ease of fluid movement, mainly when she effortlessly tackled Seattle's hills.

Inspired by her newfound freedom, Jennifer dedicated herself to teaching others the importance of efficient and organized movement. Whether working with athletes, musicians, or those seeking relief from pain, her passion lies in promoting prevention and empowering individuals to harness the power of their bodies

In this enlightening episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection, I have the opportunity to reunite with my longtime friend, Jeff Le.

Once running companions at the Javelina 100, Jeff and Karen reminisce about their ultramarathon experiences,

Jeff's transformative journey from being nearly 300 pounds to becoming a marathon finisher, and the mental and physical challenges he's overcome along the way. Now residing in the D.C. metro area,

Jeff shares insights into balancing life with two young children, embracing change, and prioritizing quality moments in his running and personal life. As they explore themes of presence, mental wellness, and the importance of grace,

Jeff's heartfelt narrative serves as an inspiring reminder of self-care, personal growth, and the power of perseverance. Join Karen and Jeff for an engaging conversation that touches on running, family, and the pursuit of a life well-lived.

In this episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection, I am joined by Paul Cameron, an inspiring runner who took on his first hundred-miler at the age of 60.

The conversation journeys through Paul's background, growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and his unconventional path to running. Paul shares anecdotes about his early interests in dirt biking and motocross before running entered his life around 2010.

Listen as Paul elaborates on his transition from neighborhoods runs to completing his first 5K and eventually a daunting 100-mile race at Javelina.

Paul recounts his experiences without formal training schedules, his challenges, and the remarkable opportunity of sharing races with his son, Kyle.

This episode delves into the nuances of trail running, the importance of self-preservation, and the power of family bonds in ultra-running. Tune in to hear Paul's mindset, lessons learned, and ambitious future plans in the world of ultra-running.

In this episode of "Running Strong Mind-Body Connection," we welcome ultra-distance enthusiast Stuart Foster to the podcast.

Stuart, a retired police officer from Kelowna, Canada, shares his incredible journey from casual fitness running to tackling some of the world's toughest ultra-marathons.

Stuart discusses his spontaneous decision to undertake a half marathon, which eventually led him to ultramarathons like the Canadian Death Race and Route 66.

His adventures are not just about physical endurance but also about testing mental fortitude and embracing the beauty of the running community. Stuart recounts the highlights of his first 140-mile race at Route 66, the challenges of fueling on the go, and the lessons learned from the experience.

He also looks forward to new adventures, such as the Badwater 267 VR Elite and the Fat Dog 120.

Join us to explore Stuart's inspiring journey of pushing limits, navigating obstacles, and connecting with a vibrant community of runners.