The Tales on the Towpath’s Podcast

What does it take to dedicate your entire life to America’s oldest and largest ultramarathon? In this special episode, Katie, Adam, and Chris sit down with a true legend of the sport: Mike Spinnler, the long-standing race director and two-time champion of the legendary JFK 50 Mile! Mike takes us back through his remarkable, lifelong history with the race—starting as a wide-eyed 12-year-old kid running his very first foot race in 1971, enduring heartbreak and DNFs, and eventually putting together an obsessive, high-mileage training block to claim back-to-back victories in 1982 and 1983, including a blistering course record. Then, we dive into his transition from elite competitor to steward of the event, taking over the reins from founder Buzz Sawyer in 1993 and guiding the JFK 50 through decades of growth while preserving its rich Mid-Atlantic traditions. It's a masterclass in ultrarunning history, grit, and what it means to keep a historic race alive for generations. Support the Podcast: Loved hearing the history behind America's premier ultra? Share this episode with a running friend and leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

What does it take to run a full mile and consume four beers as fast as humanly possible, all while breaking the elusive 6-minute barrier? In this episode, Katie, Adam, and Chris sit down with world beer mile champion and elite competitor Melanie Pozdol. Melanie takes us through her journey into the wonderfully chaotic sport of the beer mile—from her early races to mastering the unique challenges of chugging and sprinting. We dive deep into her specific training blocks, how she manages carbonation and high-velocity running, and a complete breakdown of her recent stellar performance at the World Championships, where she smashed the sub-6 barrier with a blazing 5:57.90 to finish on a historic podium! Follow Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel_poz/ Follow her Beer Mile results: https://www.beermile.com/athletes/8509   Support the Podcast: Loved this fun and fast-paced crossover with elite Beer Mile culture? Leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

What happens when race day arrives and the starting bell finally rings at Andy's Backyard Ultra? In this co-hosted episode, Adam and Chris  sit down with Katie for an unfiltered race recap of the team's latest battle against the clock and the course. Adam and Chris share what it was actually like out on the loop—from the early-hour rhythm and mid-race nutrition battles to the inevitable dark hours when every step feels like a negotiation. The crew breaks down the tactical lessons learned, the mental shifts required in a "last runner standing" format, and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from the aid station tent. Whether you were tracking live or are curious about what goes down when runners push past the 24-hour mark, this episode delivers the ultimate backyard ultra debrief. For More Information, check out Andy's Backyard Ultra  

How do you balance high-level ultrarunning, motherhood, and a 2,194-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail? In this episode, we sit down with ultrarunner, mother, and author Meg Landymore to explore her incredible endurance resume and dive into her new book, Alone, Together. Meg takes us through her impressive race history—from her early 100-mile finishes and course records to conquering grueling mountain ultras across the East Coast. Then, we go deep into the story behind her book, Alone, Together, which documents her journey along the Appalachian Trail alongside running partner Celia. Meg reflects on the physical and psychological realities of spending weeks on the AT, navigating internal fears, managing complex logistics, and learning what it truly means to be alone while supporting one another on the trail. Resources & Links Mentioned Buy the Book: Alone, Together on Amazon  Follow Meg on Instagram: @meglandymore.writes  and  @meglandymore.ultra View Her Race Results: Meg Landymore on UltraSignup   View Her Backyard Results: @meg-landymore   Support the Podcast: Enjoyed Meg's story? Leave us a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!     

Big news on the podcast today: Katie did the damn thing! Fresh off the starting line in Bath and crossing the finish line on Market Street in Corning, Katie joins Adam and Chris to break down an absolute dream performance at the Wineglass Marathon. Katie threw down a massive 17-minute Marathon PR and punched her ticket to Hopkinton by hitting a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ) time! In this episode, we take a full deep dive into the entire journey: from the specific training block and peak mileage weeks that built her fitness, to the race day execution and tactical pacing that kept her strong over the net-downhill course. Katie shares how she managed her fueling, navigated the mental mid-race shifts, and hit the gas down the stretch to secure the ultimate marathon milestone.

How do you go from setting blistering marathon PRs to tracking global statistics for the most grueling format in endurance sports? In this episode, we sit down with elite backyard ultrarunner and stat master Dave Kwiatkowski. Dave takes us through his running progression—from his early success on the road at 26.2 miles to stepping off-pavement and diving headfirst into the ultra scene. He breaks down how he adapted his road speed into high-yardage consistency, leading to massive success in the "last runner standing" world. Plus, as the creator and mind behind Yardlore.com Dave gives us an insider's look at how the sport is growing and evolving worldwide. And, once and for all, we settle the great debate of grape vs strawberry in the battle for Uncrustable supremacy.  For more information on Andy's Backyard Ultra HellGate 100K++  

What do you actually do with those crumpled, sweat-stained squares of Tyvek after you cross the finish line? In this episode, Adam, Chris, and Katie dive into the great runner debate: The Fate of the Race Bib. The crew gets honest about their post-race habits—discussing whether they keep every single bib, throw them out immediately, or let them pile up in a forgotten drawer. We explore the emotional psychology behind preserving race memories vs. decluttering, creative ways to display or upcycle your collection, and the specific bucket-list races whose bibs earn a permanent spot on the wall or a custom frame. Whether you're a minimalist who tossed your last 100-mile bib or a hoarder with a dedicated "race room," this episode hits close to home. Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights To Save or To Toss? The crew debates the two types of runners: memory keepers who save every bib vs. minimalists who chuck them at the finish line. The "Why" Behind the Stash: Why some bibs carry deep emotional weight—milestone distances, PRs, or brutal races where you had to dig deeper than ever before. What to Do with the Collection: Creative ways to store and display bibs, from shadow boxes and custom quilts to race books and garage walls. Special Treatment Races: Which iconic events earned a special frame or prime real estate—and why certain bibs are untouchable. Handling the Scraps: What to do with the safety pins, timing chips, and mud-caked corners that come with trail and ultra bibs. Correction - Chris actually found 3 extra bibs in a box. They were his high school cross country bibs from the State meets in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

What happens when a self-described "non-runner" falls in love with America’s oldest ultramarathon? In this special episode, we sit down with Ron Keplinger, a five-time finisher of the legendary JFK 50 Mile and an official member of the JFK 250 Mile Club (earned after completing 250 total miles across five finishes). Ron turns the tables on the show by putting host trio Adam, Chris, and Katie in the hot seat for a fun segment decoding everyday running lingo. From technical terms to obscure trail jargon, Ron quizzes the crew on definitions every beginner runner should know. Then, Ron takes us on a journey through his personal history with the race—from growing up watching his parents cross the finish line to stepping up to the starting line in Boonsboro himself. It's an inspiring look at race legacy, family traditions, and proving that you don't need a traditional running background to conquer 50 miles.

Are you looking for a fast, flat, trail race in the Mid-Atlantic?  Adam, Chris,  and Katie sit down to give you the ultimate runner’s guide to the Lock 2 Lock Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K! Set along the historic, C&O canal towpath, Lock 2 Lock offers something for every type of runner—whether you're aiming for a fast 10K PR, stepping up to the half marathon distance, or grinding out 26.2 continuous miles. This year's event was a huge success, in large part thanks to the amazing volunteers who ensured the runners had everything they needed. For more information on the Lock 2 Lock Race weekend - check out Lock2Lock

How do you combine the physical endurance of a Backyard Ultra with the heart-pumping intensity of a fast-paced sprint finish? Adam, Chris, and Katie, break down one of the most exciting twists in endurance sports: The Final Countdown Tribute race format. Unlike a traditional Backyard Ultra where every loop gives you a full 60 minutes, the Final Countdown format turns up the pressure by shrinking the time limit with every single lap. The crew dives deep into the unique strategic demands of this race style—from the mental shift required as the clock ticks down, to pacing tactics and fighting the urge to quit. Whether you are curious about entering a Final Countdown event or just want to hear the team debate how they’d survive the escalating pressure, this episode is packed with insights and laughs. For more information, The Final Countdown Tribute