The Journey Running Podcast cover art

The Journey Running Podcast

The Journey Running Podcast

Written by: Stefan Schuster
Listen for free

About this listen

The Journey Running Podcast with Coach Stefan Schuster is a podcast for ultrarunners that covers a variety of running related topics, ranging from training to nutrition to race reports and more! Coach Stefan is a Registered Dietitian, ultrarunner, and the owner of Journey Run Coaching. With 18+ years of running experience, there are no shortages of interviews, life lessons and stories from the trails here. Additionally, the mission of the podcast is to help runners run farther, fuel smarter and develop character through trail and ultrarunning. Enjoy!

© 2026 Journey Running LLC
Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • 32. Jackpot 100 Race Report
    Apr 4 2026

    In this episode, I share my detailed experience at the Jackpot 100. I cover race strategy, mental toughness, self-care, social interactions, lessons learned from running on concrete and review my performance as well. This episode offers valuable insights, tips & tricks for ultrarunners who are looking to improve their race approach and mindset at looped ultras. I also give a detailed report of my day before the event, which was unfortunately eventful.

    Chapters

    00:24 Introduction to Journey Running Podcast
    04:40 Pre-Race Preparations and Challenges
    24:18 Race Day Experience and Strategy
    33:51 Mental Toughness in Ultra Running
    34:18 The Mental Cycle of Ultra Running
    36:39 Self-Care Strategies During Races
    40:55 Challenges of Running on Concrete
    45:32 Social Connections in Ultra Running
    53:29 The Role of Music in Performance
    01:00:57 Performance Goals and Reflections
    01:06:41 Celebrating Achievements in Ultra Running
    01:07:51 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
    01:08:19 Closing Thoughts

    Send us Fan Mail

    Journey Running Links

    Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
    Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
    Instagram: Journey_Running
    Facebook: Journey_Running
    Tiktok: JourneyRunning

    Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 31. Josh Sprague - Owner of Orange Mud & Seven Clay on Reinventing Outdoor Gear & Adventure Racing!
    Mar 20 2026

    In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud and Seven Clay where they explore his journey from endurance athlete to successful entrepreneur. They discuss industry changes, product innovation, and the importance of perseverance and positivity.

    Josh also shares a few of the many stories he has amassed from his time as an adventure racing participant. He discusses safety in ultra running and how important navigation skills are, in being a successful outdoor adventurer.

    Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster


    Chapters

    00:24 Introduction to Josh Sprague and His Companies
    13:36 Josh's Endurance Journey and Passion for Trail Running
    18:56 The Evolution of Adventure Racing and Its Challenges
    21:44 The Birth of Orange Mud: A Solution to Gear Frustrations
    37:13 Turning Ideas into Reality: The Challenges of Product Development
    37:42 Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges
    43:34 Navigating the Advertising Landscape
    48:35 Evolution of the Outdoor Gear Industry
    55:12 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship
    58:01 The Birth of New Ventures
    01:07:20 Lessons from a Life-Altering Adventure
    01:13:32 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
    01:14:00 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

    Send us Fan Mail

    Journey Running Links

    Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
    Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
    Instagram: Journey_Running
    Facebook: Journey_Running
    Tiktok: JourneyRunning

    Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • 30. Race Director John Lacroix on the Future of Ultrarunning & Importance of Community
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode, Stefan Schuster interviews ultrarunning Race Director John Lacroix, owner and founder of the Human Potential Running Series. John has directed the second-most ultramarathons in the sport’s history and has completed 24 100-mile races himself.

    Drawing from his experience as both a race director and an athlete, John reflects on the evolution of ultrarunning since he entered the sport in 2005, his transition from competitor to race director, and the core values that shape the ultrarunning community. He also shares thoughtful perspectives on the sport’s future, including its relationship with land management agencies, the tension between grassroots culture and corporate influence, and what it will take to preserve the spirit of ultrarunning as it grows.

    For more information about the Human Potential Running Series, please visit: https://humanpotentialrunning.com/


    Chapters:

    00:24 Introduction to John LaCroix and His Achievements
    08:32 The Evolution of Ultra Running and Race Directing
    11:22 The Challenge of Niwot and Its Unique Format
    14:35 The Barkley Marathons: A Hot Take on Newcomers
    17:26 The Importance of Map and Compass Skills
    20:34 John's Journey into Ultra Running
    23:32 The Changing Landscape of Ultra Running
    26:36 The Role of Social Media in Ultra Running
    29:30 Transitioning from Runner to Race Director
    32:44 Values Behind Human Potential Running Series
    38:10 The Evolution of Human Potential Running Series
    39:38 Challenging Traditional Race Values
    42:23 Inclusivity and Diversity in Ultra Running
    48:52 Understanding Justice and Neurodivergence
    01:02:29 The Future of Ultra Running and Personal Growth
    01:17:54 Introduction to the Current State of Racing
    01:18:38 The Evolution of Race Registration and Participation
    01:21:06 Community and Volunteerism in Racing
    01:25:42 The Shift from Community to Business in Racing
    01:27:33 The Extraction Phase of Ultra Running
    01:37:22 The Future of Grassroots Racing
    01:38:59 Permitting Challenges in the U.S. vs. Europe
    01:45:13 The Future of Trail Racing and Land Management
    01:48:43 The Oligarchy of Trail Running
    01:51:45 Balancing Tradition and Modernization in Trail Running
    01:54:41 Creativity in Race Directing and Event Concepts
    01:57:46 Reflections on FKTs and Their Impact
    02:01:26 The Journey of a Race Director and Personal Growth
    02:17:34 Introduction to Trail and Ultra Running
    02:18:02 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

    Send us Fan Mail

    Journey Running Links

    Website: JourneyRunCoaching.com
    Email: JourneyRunningLLC@gmail.com
    Instagram: Journey_Running
    Facebook: Journey_Running
    Tiktok: JourneyRunning

    Nourish Referral Link: https://www.usenourish.com/providers/stefan-schuster?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Stefan+Schuster&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Stefan_Schuster

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 19 mins
No reviews yet