🎧 Who You’ll Hear:

Larry O’Neill — Associate Professor and Oregon State Climatologist specializing in air–sea interactions and Pacific Northwest weather, offers an expert forecast for this year’s race.

Ashlyn Culbertson — A high school running coach, drawn #75 on the Western States Endurance Run waitlist, currently with just 19 runners ahead of her, shares her experience and hopes for joining the starting line.

Some topics:

-Insights on temperature, high country storms, and fire risk heading into the race.

-Historical drought, heatwaves, and how climate patterns are shifting.

-Social dynamics and emotions around being near the front of the waitlist.

-Running strategies for tough weather conditions and preparing mentally when you’re on the cusp.

-What the weather is likely to be during this year’s Western States.

-The lived experience of waitlisted runners and the emotional rollercoaster as race day nears.

Follow the guests:

Larry O’Neill on X (formerly Twitter): @laoneill25

Ash Culbertson on Strava): ⁠Ash's Strava

In this episode of Weathering The Run, we sit down with Paul Johnson—a former Naval officer turned ultrarunner who’s not only run across the United States but also set a world record by completing 100 miles in Antarctica in under 24 hours.

Paul shares how running became his outlet for managing anxiety and depression after his military service. We discuss his 2024 transcontinental run, where he covered over 3,000 miles in just over 51 days, raising more than $500,000 for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit supporting veterans' mental and physical health.

Now based in California, Paul is embracing new challenges, including mountain running, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness.

Connect with Paul:

• Website: pauljohnson.run

• Instagram: @pauijohnson

• YouTube: Paul Johnson

Learn more about Team Red, White & Blue: teamrwb.org

Watch Paul's Antarctica 100-Mile World Record Run: YouTube Video

Tune in to hear Paul's inspiring journey and how he's using endurance sports to make a difference.

This year is the 45th running of the Columbus Marathon and it was great to catch up with the race director, Darris Blackford. He has run more than 200 marathons and other ultramarathons. I have been wanting to have Darris on since his wife, Star Blackford, was on Episode 3 of Weathering The Run. We chatted a lot about the ins and outs of race directing and then about his extensive experience of running through dangerously cold conditions along with running across Death Valley during Badwater. If you are interested in running the 45th Columbus Marathon, be sure to sign up before it sells out!

Matt Chilcote, or "Chilly", got into running just a few years ago, but has already completed several 100 mile races. He has also completed the Midwest Grand Slam of 100 milers. Running started as a way to keep him and his friend accountable, but it quickly escalated. He has some great stories to share about his experience running in some intense weather. Follow along Matt's journey, on ⁠his Strava⁠. He is also part of Team Heart and Sole, which helps provide inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families and friends, to participate in endurance racing events across Ohio.

Sometimes you meet people and you can tell they will have some good stories. I met Andre at the Ohio Backyard Ultra (OBU) because we were crewing different runners. Our runners went on into the second day so I had the chance to chat with Andre and I wanted to have him on the podcast to talk about his style of backyard ultra that he race directs in Canada, along with race directing a race similar to the Barkley Marathons that Lazarus Lake puts in in Frozen Head State Park each spring. The races are very similar, but also some notable differences. We share all the secrets that Andre is willing to share in the episode and hope you enjoy it!

Bush Bitches Backyard (BBBackyard) website: https://www.bbbackyard.com/

BB Trail Running Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbackyardultra

Jason Profitt started running to lose weight, but he gained so much more. He has now surrounded himself in the running community and continues to inspire others while learning how to tackle longer and longer distances.

Follow along his journey:

• Strava - https://www.strava.com/athletes/112286808
• Instagram (creator channel with Zach) - https://www.instagram.com/2dudes1run
• Instagram (personal) - http://instagram.com/jprof7

A Derecho is defined as a severe thunderstorm that has severe criteria winds (60+ mph) for more than 240 straight miles. Chase Smith found himself on a bike ride during this severe storm and thankfully had the help of a couple gentleman in a work van. Chase is an avid trail runner and we share stories about some of the crazy weather he has also ran through. Enjoy!

Shelley Leone has overcome many challenges in her life, like addition. After getting some help from a good friend, running is her new passion and has been for many years. She joins us to share some of her story and what keeps her motivated to keep pushing on, when there are obstacles in her path. Follow her story, on her Instagram: @ShelleyLeone.