What a fun time I had getting to know Devon Brodmyer! A bright young man, just tapping in to the ultra realm, and already finding so much success. A big take away for me through our conversation was the importance of surrounding yourself with those that will encourage you, motivate you, and see more in you than you can see in yourself. His mindset was to learn from those with experience instead of trying to tackle something new on your own. Devon has been running since a very young age and continued running at Brevard College. Through inspiration from his college coach (Jordan Tager), and by soaking in all the knowledge he could from the experience of his friends (Randy Elliott and Sheridan Byers to name a few), Devon love for running reignited out on the trails. After crushing his first ultra at Ridge To Rails last year (where he came in 4th), Devon has been on the podium in every single race since. Most recently, he was 1st overall at the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 miler. Devon Brodmyer is just getting started.

Devon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/57274732

Devon's Instagram: @devonbrodmyer

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Brandon Thrower and I sat down via FaceTime to talk about the Ridge to Rails races coming up on June 6th. There is a 50k, Half Marathon and 10k. As of the recording, there were still some spots available, so sign up quickly! Brandon and I had recorded a podcast about this race a few years ago, but there have been quite a few changes to the courses. We are so fortunate for all the new trails that have opened and the access we have to them for races such as these. If you are running in any of these races, you will want to listen. Brandon talks thoroughly about each course, including aid station and crew information. Lots of pertinent information for you to hear! Enjoy, and I will be praying for good weather and good times to all those running out there!

Tanawha Adventures website: https://www.tanawhaadventures.com/ridgetorails

Tanawha Adventures instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanawha_adventures/

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Alan Needle not only about his running adventures, but the research he is conducting at races put on by Tanawha Adventures and Dirty Wolf. Alan and his team are conducting a survey-based research study that is aiming to better understand what changes risks of falling and other injuries while you're running. So, if you are running the Kettlefoot, Ridge to Rails, Black Copperhead Sting, HAROC or Beast of the East you need to sign up to be part of this study! More races could be added, so stay tuned by following Injury Lab's instagram @injurylabappstate or checking out their website: https://phes.appstate.edu/laboratories/injury-laboratory. There are incentives offered for being part of these studies, so you don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Listen as Alan describes the research he is doing, plus what led to his specific interest in studying those that trail run. I was fascinated by his discoveries so far that have been published, and I am definitely going to stay tuned to the results of this research. Enjoy!

To fill out the participation form, click on the link here

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