Brandon Thrower sat down with me via FaceTime to talk through the newly revealed Hellbender course for 2026. Hurricane Helene did a number on our trails here in Western NC, and so many of the trails used in the original Hellbender course are still being repaired or redirected. So this year's course is known as The Helenebender 2! Listen as Brandon talks through the new course, the aid stations, crew information and more. If you are running this race, crewing, volunteering or considering this race in the future please listen and share with others. I will personally be praying for all of you...for endurance, power, energy, safety and overall joy out there on the course! Our mountains are beautiful...enjoy! Thank you to the Run 828 Foundation for all you do to put on this race, and to the sponsors who help make it happen!

Run 828 Foundation: https://www.run828foundation.org

Hellbender 100: https://www.hellbender100.com/course

Thank you for listening! Follow on Instagram: @facingvert

This podcast is a wee bit different this time. I was recently asked to join Sullivan Brady on the stage at Youth Culture at Brookstone Church. Sullivan had been teaching through a series called RUN, and for the final night he wanted the students to hear from a crazy ultra runner (me) that truly knows what it is like to live out ENDURANCE on the trails. What an honor it was to be asked to be a part! It's not often that I am the one answering questions, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent talking about my experiences and how my faith impacts my ultra running journey. Fortunately, the interview was recorded, and so I hope you enjoy!

Michael Ferguson is a senior in high school, and was already committed to Furman University before his senior year even began. Already, as a senior, he is the state champion in 5A Cross Country, the 1600 indoor track state champion and the 3200 indoor track state champion. Pretty incredible accomplishments, and he really didn't get serious about running until high school. I loved hearing how he approaches races, controls his nerves and handles the pressure. Michael wants to be the best, but understands the work this requires. I can't wait to see him continue to grow and improve at Furman! Thank you, Michael, for taking the time to sit down with me.