Take a run with the Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 86, host and HPRS race director John Lacroix goes solo in the studio to announce major show updates—including the move to video—before diving into one of the most unexpected, full-circle stories in his 20-plus years in ultrarunning.

At the 2026 Sheep Mountain Trail Runs, John set up electronic check-in when a legendary name surfaced on the roster: Andrew Thompson. Thompson—a Barkley Marathons finisher, former Appalachian Trail FKT holder, and New Hampshire mountain icon—was also John’s first internet bully two decades earlier, after a public clash on the UltraList over Thompson’s mentor, Sue Johnston.

What followed on race day was an extraordinary confluence of history, grace, and redemption. Andrew arrived in Fairplay, Colorado, with fellow Barkley finishers Brett Maune and Travis Wildeboer to start one final 50-mile race to celebrate his 50th birthday. From a fiery morning pre-race speech to late-day cutoff battles at the aid stations, John recounts what it felt like to support an old rival’s final ultra, learning he was being compared to his own idol, Dr. David Horton, and sitting side-by-side on coolers at the finish line without needing a single word of apology.

In this episode, John reflects on:

• The HPRS Evolution: Expanding to video recording, YouTube, and stepping into the discomfort of being seen.
• The Ghost of 2005: The origins of a 20-year feud, neurodivergence, justice sensitivity, and owning past mistakes.
• Barkley Royalty at Sheep Mountain: Supporting Andrew Thompson, Brett Maune, and Travis Wildeboer through a razor-thin cutoff finish.
• The "Horty" Connection: An unexpected lesson in assumptions and discovering who your idols really are.
• The Unspoken Apology: Why we aren’t owed apologies in this life, how to give grace, and the sacred contents of the little black bag.

Whether you've held a grudge for months or decades, this episode offers a raw, emotional look at maturity, letting bygones be bygones, and discovering that sometimes the best way to say you're sorry is simply to show up and hold space.

Listen or watch now on YouTube, Riverside, and all major podcast platforms, or visit: www.humanpotentialrunning.com

What happens when a runner who has finished 16 consecutive 100-milers finally has to walk up to an aid station tent and utter the words: “I quit”?

Take a run with the Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 85, host and HPRS race director John Lacroix is joined by ultrarunner and coach Stefan Schuster to break down Schuster’s first career DNF at the Crazy Mountain 100. Moving far beyond race splits, the two dive into the complex web of physical and psychological factors that lead to dropping out—from chronic injuries like plantar fasciitis and hamstring strains to physiological burnout, life stress, and overtraining.

John challenges the modern obsession with high mileage streaks and social media pedestals, sharing lessons from his own DNF history and urging runners to look beyond external validation. Together, they explore the difficult internal work of rediscovering your "why," knowing when to step back from rigid training plans, reframing failure as a tool for personal growth, and remembering to appreciate not just the scenic mountain views, but the "view within."

They close out the episode with a lighthearted deep dive into old-school ultrarunning swag etiquette—including whether you have the right to wear a race shirt if you didn't cross the finish line.

Take a run with The Human Potential Running Series podcast. In Episode 84 of the show, host John Lacroix welcomes Stefan Schuster back to the program to discuss Cocodona and ultrarunning safety, addressing the impact of tragic events on the ultrarunning community and the importance of risk management. The conversation delves into the responsibilities of race directors in prioritizing runner safety; the challenges of live-tracking devices and bandwidth limitations; risk management and safety in ultrarunning; and the controversy surrounding assisted finishes. The conversation delves into the ethical concerns in ultrarunning, particularly related to medical wellness checks and the use of banned substances. It also explores the impact of doping on the sport and the ethical implications for athletes and race organizations.

Takeaways

• Risk management in ultrarunning
• Impact of tragic events on the ultrarunning community Race directors need to prioritize runner safety
• Live tracking devices and bandwidth limitations pose challenges for race events Ethical concerns in ultrarunning
• Impact of doping on the sport