Distance To Empty

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode of "Distance to Empty," we welcome back Michael Koppy, a seasoned ultra-marathon runner, to discuss his recent experiences at the Arrowhead 135, a grueling 135-mile race through the icy wilderness of Minnesota. Michael shares his journey of redemption after a near-finish DNF in 2024, detailing the challenges of extreme cold, self-sufficiency, and the mental and physical endurance required to complete such a demanding race. The conversation delves into the unique aspects of cold-weather racing, the importance of preparation, and the inspiration Michael provides to others by achieving remarkable feats at the age of 75.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!Patrick J. Yalon was training for Moab 240 when a routine surf at Ocean Beach in San Francisco went catastrophically wrong—his board stopped, his body didn’t, and he broke his neck, drowned, and was revived on the sand before undergoing a nine-and-a-half-hour spinal fusion and learning to move again one toe at a time. Just three months later, still battling nerve pain and fear of re-injury, Patrick toed the line at Moab anyway—finishing 144+ miles before making the hard call to stop, knowing the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain.” In this episode, he walks us through the mental darkness before the accident, the identity reset that followed, and why Moab became his North Star—then returns in 2025 for redemption, fighting brutal weather, river crossings, shredded feet, and soul-level lows to finally earn the finish. It’s a raw conversation about gratitude, grace, and pushing forward “aid station to aid station”—and why Patrick believes he may never find his distance to empty.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, David Park shares his inspiring journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming an ultra runner, detailing his experiences with the Moab 240 race and his upcoming epic season. He discusses the role of fear, validation, and social media in his life, as well as the lessons learned from his 100-day fitness challenge. David emphasizes the importance of perspective in endurance sports and reflects on his relationship with running and the community around it.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!This episode delves into the themes of the film 'The Cutoff,' which focuses on the experiences of runners at the back of the pack during the Cocodona ultra marathon. The filmmakers, Dylan Harris and Jamil Coury, discuss the emotional and physical challenges faced by these participants, the misconceptions surrounding cutoffs, and the storytelling approach that highlights the human spirit in ultra running. They emphasize the importance of relatability and community in the sport, as well as the unique filming strategies employed to capture the essence of the race.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, Michael McKnight returns to discuss his journey in ultra running, focusing on his identity as a 200-mile runner, the challenges of recovery from injury, and the mental shifts necessary for success. He reflects on the emotional toll of burnout and the importance of redefining personal goals beyond placement. Michael also shares insights into his new race, the Old Ephraim 200, and the motivations that drive him as he prepares for the upcoming season. The conversation emphasizes the significance of mindset in overcoming obstacles and finding fulfillment in the sport.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this conversation, Kevin and Melanie discuss their experiences during the ultramarathon stretch from Lee Vining to the finish. They share insights on the physical and mental challenges faced during the race, the importance of pacing and connection with others, and strategies for nutrition and morale. The conversation highlights the unique experiences of night running, the emotional highs and lows of endurance racing, and the camaraderie that develops among runners. In this segment of the conversation, Kevin and Melanie share their experiences during an endurance race, detailing the challenges they faced, the support from their crew, and the mental and physical hurdles they overcame. They discuss the importance of aid stations, the dynamics of pacing, and the emotional rollercoaster of long-distance racing. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among runners and the significance of nutrition and mental resilience in completing such a demanding event. In this part of the conversation, Melanie and Kevin reflect on their experiences during the ultramarathon, discussing the challenges they faced, the support from their crew, and the mental hurdles they encountered. They share insights on pacing strategies, the importance of aid stations, and the physical and emotional toll of the race as they approach the final stretch. In this final segment, Kevin and Melanie reflect on the challenges faced during the ultramarathon, including difficult stretches, the importance of sleep, and the emotional experience of crossing the finish line. They share insights on race strategy, the impact of community support, and the personal growth that comes from such a demanding journey. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted post-race stories and a deeper appreciation for the experiences shared during the race.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, Peter interviews Kevin about the intricacies of recovery after running 200-mile races. They discuss the immediate effects of sleep deprivation, muscle soreness, hormonal changes, and the importance of nutrition and hydration in the recovery process. Kevin shares insights from scientific studies and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for proper recovery strategies, especially for those participating in multiple ultra-marathons within a year. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of recovery and the importance of listening to one's body.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode, Kevin and Melanie recap their experiences during the Mammoth 200 ultra marathon, discussing their training, the role of their crew, and the challenges they faced throughout the race. They highlight the importance of pacing, nutrition, and mental toughness, as well as the camaraderie among runners and crew members. The conversation delves into specific sections of the race, sharing insights on how they coped with fatigue and pain, and the strategies they employed to keep moving forward. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive look at the highs and lows of ultra marathon racing, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, Melanie and Kevin discuss their experiences during an ultramarathon, focusing on various aid stations, the challenges of pacing, foot care, and the mental and physical hurdles faced throughout the race. They share personal anecdotes about their interactions with crew members, the food they encountered, and the importance of community support. The conversation also touches on navigational challenges and the impact of nighttime running on their performance.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this year-end recap episode, hosts Kevin and Peter reflect on their experiences in ultra running, podcast highlights, and personal achievements throughout the year. They discuss the impact of weather on training, share their Strava and Spotify wrapped statistics, and engage in lighthearted games. The conversation also touches on favorite movies, music, and lessons learned, while looking ahead to new challenges and goals for 2026.

Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Check out Mount to Coast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mounttocoast.com/discount/Distance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code DISTANCE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Janji.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode of Distance to Empty, everyone's favorite cohost sits out while Kevin and Melanie dive into their Mammoth 200 experience. In this special episode, they recount their journey through the Sierra Nevada mountains, celebrating their 11th anniversary amidst the grueling 200-mile race. With the support of Chaos Crewing Co and a cast of incredible friends and athletes, Kevin and Melanie share insights, challenges, and the breathtaking beauty of the course. From pre-race jitters to the exhilarating highs and unexpected challenges on the trail, this episode dives deep into their personal experiences. Discover how they navigated the race, managed gear and crew logistics, and overcame obstacles, all while sharing laughs and memorable moments. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or new to the sport, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of endurance racing.Tune in for an inspiring tale of endurance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of personal goals.