315: Tagging the Sleeping Giant Tower with New England's Finest Aaron Heath

Life is constantly changing and we are all very different people than we were 6 or 7 years ago, and right now it feels like its time to take a break, continue to seek professional help, and decide whats next. So for now, we are hitting pause (paws), but before we go, lets use this episode to take a look back, just in case this turns out to be our final episode. This podcast started as a wild idea among friends—a way to celebrate the absurdity, struggle, and joy of ultra running in a way that was raw and explicit like the trails we run on. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would resonate, how it would grow into a community, and how much it would mean to me (and to all of us) over the years. The inside jokes, the live shows, the interviews, the ridiculous tangents and jackassing around that somehow always made sense in the end—it’s all been a blast. Phast Phred, Evil Becky, Jimmy Mac, and Celeste Fong-a-Ding-Dong—you’ve given me (AFB) so much, and I can’t thank you enough for that gift. Most of all, I want to thank you. Your support—whether financial or just by showing up and listening—has made this journey possible. You’ve fueled countless hours of storytelling, laughter, and the occasional moment of wisdom. We loved butchering your names and making you Podcast Famous. You’ve been the lifeblood of this weird, wonderful family that understands the beauty of suffering through 112 miles in the woods and somehow still wanting more. I don’t know what’s next. Maybe Cultra returns in some new form down the road, maybe not. But one thing is certain: the friendships and community we’ve built aren’t going anywhere. We’ll still be out there—running, crewing, racing, pacing, and laughing at the sheer madness of it all. And I hope to see you out there, too. So, for now, this is a pause—not necessarily a goodbye. Keep running, seek professional help, and we’ll see you all in a mile… mile and a half. Love you guys, AFB Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram If we start up again... Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

Former soldier Tim Hardy shares his approach to making his life choices. He has at times deliberately chosen a difficult path that includes some of the most arduous and hot multi-day races, like Vol State, and HOTS, and also cold races like the Arrowhead 135.  Tim has recently taken a look at what makes a great experience for him in terms of community, travel time, course, and cost. He gives us a lot to consider as we make our own life choices.  Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

For the 1st time (and hopefully not the last), this episode features the solo efforts of Evil Becky. Do you have 40 minutes? Do you want see what the back of your eyes look like? If you said yes, then this is the episode for you. EB goes through last weeks running superlatives and reports on what you the listeners think about yourselves and others. There are some flashback moments (que the Scooby Doo music) of looking back on our past runner selves and the insight and advice we would give to ourselves. Then we wrap up that golden doggy bag with a look forward to what races are coming up in the Northeast. This is the episode that you didnt even know you needed. Enjoy!  Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

So Dad (Art) is away and the kids (CULTRA crew) decided to play. We changed the episode rules and decreed this to be episode #8675309. We also determined Who are you. Yes, you. We went through a list of stereotypical runner types and made judgments of who fit the bill. But what do YOU think? Who are you? And who are those other runners around you? Join in and pass some friendly and silly judgement. Added bonus! We kept the train on the tracks and paced ourselves to an impressive hour - hour and a 1/2 episode...including patreons. Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

319: New Trail Runner’s Guide (Northeast Edition) Are you a road runner looking to start trail running, a hiker intent on picking up your pace, or an experienced trail running veteran who is curious to see if you could pick up a new idea? This episode covers the Trail Running Basics, the Northeast Regional specifics, trail etiquette and safety, training & fitness and even gives some pro tips on pooping in the woods. Trail Running basics answers the questions of what gear do I need to start trail running, how to find out where to run, what the differences are from road running, how to choose between road shoes and trail shoes, and what are some of the essential items you should consider carrying on a trail run. We cover some of the Northeast Regional specifics of running on these explicit and raw trails and mention a few of the most iconic spots to run in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine. (Although we don’t offer any Gator safety tips) In trail etiquette & safety we discuss concepts and strategies of basic navigational safety such as “The Playpen”. What to do if you encounter a bear, rattlesnake, or perhaps the greatest threat, the dreaded tick. What are the best colors to wear or avoid, like “don’t shoot me orange” or “hi I’m a deer’s ass white”. We also talk briefly about training and fitness and how to deal with hills, and the many ways of connecting with the trail community and many of the trail running clubs in the Northeast.  Then we talk shit! What are the best seasons to poop, where, when, how? What are the name brand leaves to seek out, and so much more than you ever wanted to know. Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Twitter @BlueBlazeRunner Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112     

Ellie Pell is back to talk some smack on AI and the great cereal mix debate. How will this impact our sport? Will trail running ever be the same? Can't we all just get along? Qualifying for Boston Marathon and the Olympic Marathon Trails anyone? Plus Patreon  Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

Candy cigarettes! Ramen noodles and a Patreon review. The Crew discusses upcoming running races, including the Newport Marathon on April 19th and the Real King of Pain race in Glastonbury in early February, which includes an icy double stream crossing and twice the elevation of the King of Pain road version. Jimmy announces he will likely run the Newport Marathon. Celeste shares details about the Newport Marathon course. They reminisce about past experiences at races like getting medals shaped like pineapples. The conversation then turns to cigarettes, with Jimmy expressing disdain for menthol cigarettes. Art shares that when he started smoking, cigarettes cost only 65 cents per pack, which was before the introduction of crack cocaine.  What are your plans for 2025? Notchview, Grand Canyon R2R2R, or is crewing and pacing better than racing? Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

What does it take to finish the SRC Back Yard Ultra? How do you approach it if you have never done one before? New York State based Jordan Buck traveled to the SRC Backyard Ultra in Long Island and gave it a shot as a first timer. Jordan also shares his experiences of being lost during races and fighting to come back. There is something special about discovering trail running for the first time, and Jordan shares this perspective so well.  We also learn about his upcoming adventure to run across the US carrying the flag as part of a Team RWB veteran relay in an effort to set a new World Record. Donate to the RWB Old Glory Ultra Relay Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

Tower Tag Challenge is a 4 hour or 8 hour event that uses the carriage trail of the iconic Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden Connecticut. Second place Male finisher and NY based Aaron Heath joins RD Brian Vanderheiden (whisper voice) to find out what it was like to compete in this inaugural event. Aaron has more than 70 Ultra events to his credit and we have a blast hearing about his origin story and his quest to become one of New England’s Finest (Hartford Marathon Foundation) as he ran a 2:36 Marathon. But as we learn trails are his one true love.  We also discover that he has shared starting lines with Evil Becky, Fred and AFB. Give a listen as we discuss all thing trail running, racing and more. Tower Tag Results Aaron Heath UltraSignup Learn more about Steep Endurance Events Donate to Connecticut Forest & Parks Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

The Mesh Penis Fiasco unveiled! If you wanted any running content, then this is not the episode you are looking for. But if for no logical reason you are looking for some funny shit, followed by 90 minutes of drunken rambling inebriated babble, with very little nutritional, or educational value, then… whatever.   I don’t know what to say, so here is what AI gleaned: The team discussed various topics including ultramarathons, aid stations,pickleball, and the Manchester Road Race, and discussed the TV coverage of the race, expressing disappointment with the lack of local expertise and knowledge of the course. The idea of providing their own commentary for the race was suggested, with a potential simulcast. The group jokes around and makes inappropriate comments, as usual. They joke about dealing with bears and having them in Christina's hot tub. The conversation becomes increasingly silly and nonsensical. Art mentions that last week's episode contained particularly explicit content that listeners should avoid. They also shared personal experiences and stories, including a humorous incident involving a "Mesh Penis Fiasco" during a run. The conversation ended with discussions on organizing unique race events, such as the "Cultra" and "drag January," and the possibility of incorporating beer drinking into these events. The conversation becomes even more increasingly silly and nonsensical and never goes anywhere.    Manchester Road Race Results Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112