Kicking off 2026 with real talk about why they don’t believe in resolutions, why comparison and “motivation culture” miss the mark, and what actually creates change when a calendar flips.
Becca shares a recent solo scramble in search of a cave that turns into a lesson on risk, confidence, and knowing when to pull back. Jon reflects on the mental shifts that come with a new year, letting go of anger, protecting energy, and realizing that not everyone wants the truth, even when it’s well intentioned.
Then it’s Mid-State Mile season. Registration opened on New Year’s Day, the race is already sold out, invites are rolling, and they break down what makes Mid-State different and the selection process, the returning community, the first-timers jumping in with zero ultras, and why this course is relentless from the first whistle. Mid-State isn’t just mind vs body ...it’s heart.
Kicking off 2026 with real talk about why they don’t believe in resolutions, why comparison and “motivation culture” miss the mark, and what actually creates change when a calendar flips.
Becca shares a recent solo scramble in search of a cave that turns into a lesson on risk, confidence, and knowing when to pull back. Jon reflects on the mental shifts that come with a new year, letting go of anger, protecting energy, and realizing that not everyone wants the truth, even when it’s well intentioned.
Then it’s Mid-State Mile season. Registration opened on New Year’s Day, the race is already sold out, invites are rolling, and they break down what makes Mid-State different and the selection process, the returning community, the first-timers jumping in with zero ultras, and why this course is relentless from the first whistle. Mid-State isn’t just mind vs body ...it’s heart.
Becca and Jon drag themselves to the mic while both feeling wrecked—Jon’s coming off a brutal stomach bug, Becca’s battling sinus junk.
They dig into the difference between side quests vs. the main quest—how distractions, limbo, and unfinished projects can make it feel like nothing is moving forward. Becca lays out her mindset for 2026: forward with intention, getting strength training and running back at the forefront, and creating a clearer plan for life and work as they prepare for big changes on the farm.
The episode wraps with Mid-State season officially kicking off: Mid-State Mile registration opens January 1 at noon Central, plus a quick reminder of why Mid-State isn’t built for hype—it’s built for the runners who really want it.
*VIDEO - not suitable for audio listening
Becca and Jon drag themselves to the mic while both feeling wrecked—Jon’s coming off a brutal stomach bug, Becca’s battling sinus junk.
They dig into the difference between side quests vs. the main quest—how distractions, limbo, and unfinished projects can make it feel like nothing is moving forward. Becca lays out her mindset for 2026: forward with intention, getting strength training and running back at the forefront, and creating a clearer plan for life and work as they prepare for big changes on the farm.
The episode wraps with Mid-State season officially kicking off: Mid-State Mile registration opens January 1 at noon Central, plus a quick reminder of why Mid-State isn’t built for hype—it’s built for the runners who really want it.
Becca and Jon talk about how Christmas feels different as you get older—more logistics, more stress, and a lot more emotional weight. Jon shares a frustrating car saga after an oil change turns into repeated leaks and unexpected expenses, sparking a real conversation about the difference between gratitude and forced positivity.
Becca recaps an 11-hour caving trip and what it taught her about trusting herself in unfamiliar environments, building confidence through discomfort, and using “transferable skills” from running to handle new challenges. The episode closes with reflections on the year—why the most meaningful moments are rarely planned, how growth takes time (like trees finally bearing fruit), and why being present matters more than chasing one big “highlight” moment.
Merry Christmas from Becca and Jon—thanks for listening.
In this episode, Becca and Jon talk openly about something most people never see: what happens to race directors after the runners go home. They break down the emotional crash that can hit once an event wraps up—the exhaustion, the silence, and that weird mix of pride and loneliness that shows up when you’re the one packing up the course.
They share what the post-race blues actually feel like, why directing can be both rewarding and isolating, and how community plays a bigger role than anyone realizes. They also talk about the Tennessee Mile leading into the Mid State Mile, how the runner community keeps them going, and why support after an event matters just as much as race-day hype.
It’s a real, honest conversation about the highs, the lows, and the part of race directing that rarely gets talked about and more.
Huge shoutout and Thank you to our friend and sponsor Joshua Brandt of State Farm insurance. Team Nashvillle,Naak and Mount to Coast
In this episode of the Ultra-Crewed Podcast, hosts Jon Cox and Becca Jones pull back the curtain on race week at the Tennessee Mile—sharing the chaos, the cold, the community, and the countless moving pieces that make this event unlike any other.
From laughing about missed podcast episodes (thanks, race-week brain!) to admitting how exhaustion sneaks up on even the most seasoned endurance athletes, Jon and Becca keep it real about what life looks like behind the scenes. Becca talks about battling sleep while juggling race prep, and Jon shares how they tag-teamed the week’s curveballs—including a broken heater—just to keep everything running smoothly.
The pair revisit this year’s Tennessee Mile experience: 33-degree temps, over 160 runners, and a record wave of first-timers who showed up ready to push themselves and support each other. With no headphones allowed, conversations flowed, friendships formed, and the sense of family that defines this race was stronger than ever.
Throughout the episode, they highlight the deeper theme woven through the weekend: community matters. Whether it’s runners cheering for strangers on the course or volunteers stepping up when challenges hit, the Tennessee Mile continues to grow because people show up for each other.
Jon and Becca close with reflections on how far the event has come and the pride they feel watching this community thrive.
*VIDEO - not suitable for audio listening
Huge shoutout and Thank you to our friend and sponsor Joshua Brandt of State Farm insurance. Team Nashvillle,Naak and Mount to Coast
In this episode of the Ultra-Crewed Podcast, hosts Jon Cox and Becca Jones pull back the curtain on race week at the Tennessee Mile—sharing the chaos, the cold, the community, and the countless moving pieces that make this event unlike any other.
From laughing about missed podcast episodes (thanks, race-week brain!) to admitting how exhaustion sneaks up on even the most seasoned endurance athletes, Jon and Becca keep it real about what life looks like behind the scenes. Becca talks about battling sleep while juggling race prep, and Jon shares how they tag-teamed the week’s curveballs—including a broken heater—just to keep everything running smoothly.
The pair revisit this year’s Tennessee Mile experience: 33-degree temps, over 160 runners, and a record wave of first-timers who showed up ready to push themselves and support each other. With no headphones allowed, conversations flowed, friendships formed, and the sense of family that defines this race was stronger than ever.
Throughout the episode, they highlight the deeper theme woven through the weekend: community matters. Whether it’s runners cheering for strangers on the course or volunteers stepping up when challenges hit, the Tennessee Mile continues to grow because people show up for each other.
Jon and Becca close with reflections on how far the event has come and the pride they feel watching this community thrive.
We explore the mental gymnastics of adjusting race-day goals, the psychological tug-of-war that happens when plans go sideways, and the quiet power of choosing gratitude over frustration. With the Tennessee Mile looming, they dish out cold-weather strategies, headlamp essentials, and hard-won advice on how to thrive in the dark—literally and figuratively. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just here for the stories, this episode reminds us that the road (or trail) to success is rarely straight, and the best runs often begin when the plan falls apart.
* Not for Apple audio listening
We explore the mental gymnastics of adjusting race-day goals, the psychological tug-of-war that happens when plans go sideways, and the quiet power of choosing gratitude over frustration. With the Tennessee Mile looming, they dish out cold-weather strategies, headlamp essentials, and hard-won advice on how to thrive in the dark—literally and figuratively. Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just here for the stories, this episode reminds us that the road (or trail) to success is rarely straight, and the best runs often begin when the plan falls apart.
Today we talk about Thanksgiving Day plans and the upcoming Tennessee Mile and race day success.
* video - NOT for Apple listening.
Today we talk about Thanksgiving Day plans and the upcoming Tennessee Mile and race day success.
Have you ever felt a rush of nerves before a big event? You’re not alone! This week on the podcast, we explore the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with stepping into the unknown. These emotions are not just normal; they can lead to incredible moments and personal breakthroughs! We also dive into nutrition and the basics of fueling your ultra.
Have you ever felt a rush of nerves before a big event? You’re not alone! This week on the podcast, we explore the mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with stepping into the unknown. These emotions are not just normal; they can lead to incredible moments and personal breakthroughs! We also dive into nutrition and the basics of fueling your ultra.
In this episode, we share some recent trail experiences—including Jon’s backpacking trip on the AT and Becca’s attempt at cowboy camping. We also talk a bit about being in nature, what it’s been teaching us lately, and what’s ahead as we get ready to host the Tennessee Mile.
* Video audio is not suitable for listening.
In this episode, we share some recent trail experiences—including Jon’s backpacking trip on the AT and Becca’s attempt at cowboy camping. We also talk a bit about being in nature, what it’s been teaching us lately, and what’s ahead as we get ready to host the Tennessee Mile.
*Video Audio not for listening
In this episode, we talk about volunteering at Fire Tower Frenzy hosted by Coyote Ugly racing. We dive into the difference in competing or just wanting to win. We also talk about how weather, mindset, and emotion shape each run, and why it’s so easy to lose sight of just how far we’ve come. This episode is a reminder that no distance is too short to be proud of, and no runner’s story is too small to be told.
In this episode, we explore the ever-changing landscape of running—from the emotional highs to the physical grind, from the solitary miles to the support of the community. Whether it's a hundred-mile ultra or a hard-earned 5K, every runner’s journey deserves celebration. We talk about how weather, mindset, and emotion shape each run, and why it’s so easy to lose sight of just how far we’ve come. This episode is a reminder that no distance is too short to be proud of, and no runner’s story is too small to be told.
This week we dive into our haunted masterpiece: the Halloween run we just hosted. We’re talking costume chaos, trail tricks, candy bribes, and the cursed Bag of Tricks that had runners howling (literally). We also get into post-run recovery with FSR, how we keep athletes moving after the madness, and a few side quests that may or may not involve pumpkins, yelling, or questionable decision-making.
* NOT for Apple listening
This week we dive into our haunted masterpiece: the Halloween run we just hosted. We’re talking costume chaos, trail tricks, candy bribes, and the cursed Bag of Tricks that had runners howling (literally). We also get into post-run recovery with FSR, how we keep athletes moving after the madness, and a few side quests that may or may not involve pumpkins, yelling, or questionable decision-making.