Shane is the last Road Angel we get to see. That's enough of a hint.
Shane tells us how this Road Angel station evolved and the joy it gives and receives.
Jessica also applied lessons learned in 2024 to a big success in 2025. She and another "Jess" did the whole race together so that makes for a Jess story (this other woman is the 2nd of the three Jess entrants this year). She has plenty of good tips for new people and funny memorable moments too.
Scotty did this race just two months after surgery and with a tendon issue; yet he still had a great experience and gives many pointers in this episode.
Another member of the Trash Pandas, Jessica is just as funny as the others. It was great having the different perspectives of the team member. This team travelled at least 8 days togther, I believe. That is highly unusual for a group of 4 or 5 people who didn't know each other at all. More great stories and tips.
Chris simulated Vol State during the interview but not by choice. The internet was messed up in his house so he went to another building (a barn) on his property to connect to the wi-fi. However, the barn was about 100 degrees and although he turned on the A/C, it took quite awhile for him to stop sweating. It still didn't dull his enthusiasm for talking about the race.
The McHenri have a long history at Vol State and took me back to my beginnings in 2014. Although they didn't do 2025, they have stories galore. This father/daughter team recounts their treks with lessons learned along the way. It was quite an enjoyable reminiscence. I think you'll love it.
Erin holds a very special place in my heart and in the hearts of any who have been near her or even heard her "broadcasts" on WLAV TV - her videos form the field. This episode will have you rolling in the aisles as it did me but you can also learn so much from this very savvy woman. Enjoy.
I was hesitant to have the two of them on together but am so glad I did. They complement one another on this episode just as they did on the road. It's a great take of how two people can work so well together to get each other to the Rock. Teamwork at its finest.
More energy! Karen is also funny. She tells you all the things she thinks she did wrong and how you can do otherwise so you can have a successful race. Her outlook on life and Vol State is refreshing and I know you'll be totally captivated.
You'll be surprised by the perspectives and thoughts from Dr. Downer. She traveled most of the course alone and noticed all the beauty of the entire 314 miles. See how a scientist viewed this beautiful Tennessee course.
This woman is hysterical (funny type, not the other). You'll hear so much about the race that you'd never even think of. She's a wealth of knowledge who also absorbs so much information from other people. She shares all that info with us in this interview.
Hal is a trooper. He made it over 200 miles on destroyed feet and only DNFed because he overslept. I'm pretty partial to this one since his wife saved my day 1 with a PayDay bar!
Lisa has more energy than almost anyone I've ever met. She and her Trash Panda gang have the best stories from this year's Vol State. Make sure you aren't drinking anything that you might spit out when you listen to this one!
James took the lessons he learned from 2024's race (with significant foot issues) and remedied most of it in 2025. He helps you know what might happen and what to do when it does. This is a must listen for lessons learned.
Sam is the first of the Trash Pandas that I interviewed so you can get a male's eye view of this group that stuck together for at least 9 days!
All women and especially mothers should listen to this call whether they run Vol State or not.
Britney talks about her personal transformation in a courageous way that not many people will do.
Brad is a lot of funbut also a man with a purpose. He raised over $25,000 for Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. And talk about pressure…he's from Union City so everyone alongthe course knew him and was cheering for him
You can donate hereif you'd like TennesseeChildren.org
Imagine what it's like to run this race for the first time, not really knowing anything about the ra ce…AND being in second place so people along the way aren't even set up yet.Todays' guest had just that experience, Chri finished in 4 days, 19 hours and 58 minutes!
This is the best "why" i've ever heard. Andy talks about what it's like to "take orders" from a veteran who had a goal to ensure he finished Vol State - and he did. You can learn a lot just from listening to this call.
You can find out more about Andy's ventures as an RD at A1 Ultra Events – Premier FloridaTrail Running Races
Or at Florida's Premier Trail Running | TampaRaces | Tampa, FL
Listen to the joy in Anglea's voice as she discusses the trials and tribulations of her incomplete 2023 run and then her 2025 redemption Run! It's funny and heartwarming.